Raila Amolo Odinga was born on 7 January 1945 in Maseno, Kenya. He is the son of prominent anti-colonial leader Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Juma Odinga. His father served as Kenya’s first vice-president but later became a vocal opponent of subsequent governments.
Raila studied mechanical engineering in East Germany, earning his master’s degree in 1970. Upon return to Kenya, he pursued a career combining academia, business, and early political activism. He worked at the Kenya Bureau of Standards and later became involved with university lecturing and private enterprise.
In the 1980s, Odinga became deeply involved in efforts to reform Kenya’s political system. He was detained without trial in 1982 for alleged involvement in an attempted coup against President Daniel arap Moi, one of several arrests during his long struggle to open up Kenya’s one-party state. He also spent time in exile.
Raila Odinga: Rise to National Leadership
From the early 1990s, Odinga’s political career took off. He was elected to parliament in 1992, representing Lang’ata constituency, affiliating with newly formed opposition movements. Over time, he switched through several parties — including the National Development Party, FORD, and eventually becoming the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In the disputed 2007 presidential election, Odinga claimed victory but was defeated according to official results by Mwai Kibaki. That election led to widespread unrest, violence, and a crisis. To end the post-election violence, a power-sharing agreement was struck, and Odinga served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under a coalition government.
He also played a key role in pushing for constitutional reforms, culminating in the 2010 Constitution, which introduced devolution and aimed to strengthen checks and balances in governance.
Raila Odinga: Political Strategy & Recent Moves
In recent years, Raila Odinga has been exploring different political pathways. In early 2025, he undertook grassroots consultations across Kenya — in regions like Luo Nyanza, Western Kenya, and the Coast — gathering views from supporters about whether to remain strong in opposition or ally more closely with President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He also entered into a memorandum of understanding with President Ruto, which surprised some of his followers, given their long history as political adversaries. In doing so, Odinga emphasized national interest, unity, and working with the government for broader stability. According to him, Ruto approached him for the alliance rather than the other way around.
At the same time, there were rumors about his health. Odinga’s team repeatedly debunked claims of serious illness, calling them smear campaigns and emphasizing that he remained active, engaged, and committed. Deputy President Kindiki publicly stated that Odinga was “in good health,” despite being abroad for medical treatment.
Raila Odinga: Recent Death & National Reaction
Note: New developments have confirmed that Raila Odinga died on 15 October 2025, at age 80.
Odinga was reportedly in India, undergoing treatment when he collapsed during a morning walk. He was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital. His passing comes at a moment when his political influence was still significant, especially given ongoing shifts in Kenya’s political landscape.
The death has triggered waves of condolences from political figures, civil society, and ordinary citizens. He is widely remembered as a champion of Kenya’s democracy — for pushing multiparty reforms, battling for constitutional change, and giving voice to Kenya’s marginalized populations.
Raila Odinga: Legacy and Impact
Raila Odinga’s political journey was marked by perseverance. He made five presidential bids, none of which succeeded. Still, his influence went far beyond winning office; he shaped Kenya’s modern political traditions.
Some of his enduring contributions include:
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Spearheading Kenya’s move to multiparty democracy in the early 1990s.
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Promoting constitutional reforms, notably the 2010 Constitution with devolution and more powers for counties.
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Frequent advocacy for fairness, inclusion, and voices from underrepresented communities, especially in rural Kenya.
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Playing a bridging role in times of crisis, including post-2007 election violence, when his leadership in negotiations helped avoid further escalation.
Raila Odinga: Challenges and Criticisms
Despite widespread admiration, Odinga’s career was not without controversy:
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Several of his presidential campaigns were dogged by claims of electoral fraud, irregularities, and long legal battles.
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Some critics accused him of political opportunism, especially when alliances shifted (e.g. working with opponents or entering pacts that appeared contradictory to earlier positions).
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His age and health often became points of speculation and concern among supporters and rivals alike. Rumors, leaks, and misinformation have played a role in political discourse around him.
Raila Odinga: What’s Next in Kenyan Politics
With Odinga’s death, Kenya enters a new era of political re-alignment.
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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM): Will need new leadership, and must decide whether to continue alliances or return to strong opposition.
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2027 Election Prospects: Odinga had been a likely contender or influencer for 2027. His absence reshapes power dynamics, and likely causes jockeying for influence within his party and among Kenya’s political alliances.
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Continuity of Reforms: Many of the policies and agreements Odinga supported — devolution, political inclusion, constitutional reforms — will be tested for how well they are upheld without his direct guiding hand.
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Symbolic Legacy: Odinga was more than a politician; he was a symbol, sometimes polarizing but often uniting, particularly for those who felt excluded. His death will spark reflection on how Kenya fulfills the promises of democracy he long fought for.
Final Thoughts
Raila Odinga’s life was one of persistent struggle, shifting alliances, and consistent advocacy for democratic values. He rarely held the office he sought the most, but his impact was felt deeply across Kenya’s political institutions, culture, and public expectations. His leadership helped shape notions of what fairness, opposition, and coalition politics mean in Kenya today.
His passing marks the end of a significant chapter. How Kenyan political actors navigate his absence will tell much about the maturity of the country’s democracy. Will the reforms he championed endure? Will new leaders rise from his movement with the same moral authority? Time will tell, but Odinga’s imprint on Kenya’s political history seems secure.
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