The enigma, Raila Amolo Odinga – Biography

Raila Amolo Odinga, one of Kenya’s most influential and enduring political figures, has passed away, marking the end of an era in the country’s political history. Known widely as “Baba” — a title of affection meaning “father” — Odinga was a man whose life and career were defined by resilience, reform, and an unyielding commitment to democracy.

Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu County, Raila was the son of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President and a leading voice in the country’s struggle for independence. He inherited his father’s political spirit and deep sense of justice, which would shape his long and often turbulent career.

Raila attended Maranda High School and later studied in East Germany, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Magdeburg. His years abroad exposed him to socialist ideas and liberation movements, influences that would later define his political ideology and activism.

Upon returning to Kenya, Odinga ventured into academia and business before plunging into politics in the late 1970s. He became one of the central figures in the fight for multi-party democracy during the repressive regime of President Daniel arap Moi. His involvement in the 1982 coup attempt led to years of imprisonment without trial, where he endured harsh conditions that only seemed to strengthen his resolve.

With the return of multi-party politics in the 1990s, Raila emerged as a fearless reformist. He founded and led several political movements, including FORD-Kenya, the National Development Party (NDP), and later the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He was widely credited for his role in pushing for constitutional change and democratic reforms that culminated in Kenya’s landmark 2010 Constitution.

Raila Odinga served as Member of Parliament for Lang’ata, Minister for Energy, Minister for Roads and Public Works, and most notably as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government formed after the post-election violence of 2007–2008. His tenure was marked by efforts to rebuild the country, strengthen institutions, and foster national unity.

Despite contesting the presidency five times — in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 — Odinga never ascended to the highest office. Yet, his influence transcended electoral victories. He remained a symbol of resistance and democratic struggle, a man whose voice carried the frustrations and hopes of millions.

Beyond politics, Raila was a family man deeply devoted to his wife, Ida Odinga, and their children. He was also a champion of education, innovation, and pan-African unity, often advocating for stronger ties across the continent.

Until his final days, Raila Amolo Odinga continued to be a towering figure — loved, respected, and sometimes controversial — but always steadfast in his pursuit of justice and equity. His death leaves a void in Kenya’s political landscape and an enduring legacy of courage, reform, and the relentless belief that power must always serve the people.

He will be remembered as a patriot who dedicated his life to the dream of a freer, fairer Kenya.