The Man, The Legend, The Enigma

A Tribute to Raila Amolo Odinga (1945–2025)

On October 15, 2025, Kenya and indeed the African continent at large, lost one of its most remarkable political figures. Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away at age 80 in Kerala, India, was far more than a politician; he was a symbol of resilience, a champion of Kenya’s democracy and a beacon of hope for the thousands who affectionately referred to him as ‘Baba.’

If you want to understand modern Kenya and the politics tied to it, you must first understand the life of Raila Odinga. Here’s a look at his remarkable journey and significance.

Born to Lead

Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Raila Amolo Odinga entered a world already steeped in political significance. As the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President, leadership may have seemed inevitable. Yet Raila carved his own distinct path in Kenyan history.

After excelling at Maranda High School, he pursued higher education at the Herder Institute, then the Technical University of Magdeburg in East Germany, earning his master’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1970. Upon completion, Odinga returned to Kenya to become a lecturer at the University of Nairobi.

The Price of Democracy

Raila’s political awakening came at great personal cost. In 1982, he was detained without trial for six years over alleged involvement in a coup plot against President Daniel arap Moi. Those dark years in detention, rather than breaking his spirit, strengthened his resolve to champion democracy.

After his release, he became an outspoken advocate for multi-party democracy, challenging the oppressive political order. His activism forced him into exile in Norway in 1991, but he returned the following year to contest for Parliament — and won. The people of Langata Constituency would keep faith in him for over two decades, electing him their representative from 1992 to 2013.

Five Times a Candidate, Forever a Champion

Perhaps no aspect of Raila’s story captures his nature more than his five presidential campaigns — in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022. Five times he did not win. Five times he disputed the results. Yet five times, he rose again. The 2007 election remains a potent memory.

After results showed him losing to Mwai Kibaki, the country experienced post-election violence. From that crisis emerged a power-sharing agreement that made Raila Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. In that role, he helped restore stability, proving that his commitment to Kenya went beyond personal ambition.

The Handshake

In 2018, Raila surprised the nation with ‘The Handshake,’ a political reconciliation with former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Together, they launched the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) to address Kenya’s ethnic divisions and promote inclusivity.

Although BBI ultimately failed, the gesture itself spoke volumes about Raila’s willingness to put country before ego. He often reminded Kenyans, ‘Kenya is bigger than any one of us.’ Even in 2025, months before his passing, Raila was still building bridges. His partnership with President William Ruto demonstrated that for him, politics was never about grudges but about moving Kenya forward.

Beyond the Ballot

Away from politics, Raila was a devoted family man. He married Ida Anyango Oyoo in 1973, and together they raised four children: Fidel (deceased in 2015), Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie. He once played football for Luo Union and was a passionate Arsenal supporter.

He was also an author — his autobiography ‘Flame of Freedom’ remains a Kenyan bestseller — and a successful entrepreneur who founded companies bringing essential services to ordinary Kenyans.

The Legacy Endures

What made Raila Odinga truly significant was this: he did not win the presidency, yet he shaped Kenya’s political landscape more profoundly than many who did. He faced detention, exile, and repeated defeat, yet never surrendered his belief in a democratic, just, and united Kenya.

To his supporters, he was ‘Agwambo‘ — the mysterious one — a leader whose influence went beyond titles and offices. To history, he will be remembered as the man who helped Kenya evolve from a restricted state into a vibrant democracy. Kenya has lost not just a politician, but a piece of its soul.

A Final Journey Home

On October 19, 2025, Raila Odinga was laid to rest in his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County. Thousands gathered to pay their respects, with many others mourning from across the world — a testament to the profound impact one man can have when he dedicates his life to a cause greater than himself.

Raila Odinga may have left us, but his legacy of courage, persistence, and reconciliation will continue to inspire generations of Africans yet unborn.

“The king is dead, but long live the crown!” — Winnie Odinga

Article by Nicole Ndila.