Early Life and Education
Raila Odinga is a prominent Kenyan politician, known for his strong influence in the country’s political landscape. Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kenya, he is the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, one of Kenya’s first Vice Presidents. Raila’s family background in politics greatly influenced his path.
Raila attended Kisumu Union Primary School and later went to Maranda High School. After high school, he studied in Germany, where he pursued mechanical engineering at the Herder Institute and the Technical School of Magdeburg, graduating in 1970. His time abroad exposed him to different political ideas and strengthened his resolve to fight for change in Kenya.
Personal Life
Raila Odinga is married to Ida Odinga, whom he wed in 1973. The couple has four children: Fidel (deceased), Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie. Ida has been a strong pillar of support throughout Raila’s political journey, often standing by him during his most challenging moments.
Raila is also known for his deep roots in the Luo culture and traditions. He often participates in cultural events and ceremonies, reflecting his pride in his heritage. Despite his busy political life, Raila values his family and community ties, often spending time with his family and engaging in activities that promote cultural awareness and unity.
In addition to his political pursuits, Raila is a businessman. He has been involved in various ventures over the years, including owning a successful company that deals with liquefied gas. His business interests have not only contributed to his personal wealth but have also provided employment opportunities for many Kenyans.
Raila is also a devout Christian. He has often spoken about the role of faith in his life, particularly during difficult times, such as his years in detention. His faith has been a source of strength, guiding him through the ups and downs of his long political career.
Entry into Politics
When Raila returned to Kenya, he began his career in engineering. He worked at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and played a key role in establishing the institution. However, his passion for politics soon led him to join the opposition movement against President Daniel arap Moi’s government, which was known for its authoritarian rule.
In 1982, Raila was accused of being involved in a failed coup attempt against Moi’s government. As a result, he was arrested and spent six years in detention without trial. This experience only deepened his commitment to fighting for democracy and human rights in Kenya. After his release in 1988, Raila continued his political activism, despite facing more arrests and harassment from the government.
Political Career and Leadership
Raila officially entered politics in 1992, joining the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD), a key opposition party at the time. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Lang’ata constituency, marking the beginning of his long political career. Over the years, Raila became known for his charismatic leadership and ability to mobilize large crowds.
In 2002, Raila played a crucial role in the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) that ended Moi’s 24-year rule. He was instrumental in uniting the opposition and ensuring the victory of Mwai Kibaki as President. Raila served as the Minister for Roads, Public Works, and Housing in Kibaki’s government. However, political differences between Raila and Kibaki led to tensions and a split in the coalition.
The 2007 Election and Aftermath
Raila’s most significant moment came in the 2007 general elections when he ran for the presidency. The election was highly contested, and the results led to widespread violence across the country. Raila claimed that the election had been rigged in favor of Kibaki, leading to protests and unrest. The crisis eventually led to a power-sharing agreement, with Raila becoming Kenya’s Prime Minister in 2008, a position he held until 2013.
Legacy and Continued Influence
As Prime Minister, Raila pushed for various reforms, including the creation of a new constitution, which was adopted in 2010. The new constitution introduced significant changes in Kenya’s governance, including devolving power to county governments. Raila’s efforts during this period earned him both praise and criticism, but he remained a key figure in Kenyan politics.
In 2017, after Uhuru Kenyatta, alongside William Ruto, won the presidential election, widespread protests erupted across Kenya. Supporters of Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, claimed the election was rigged and took to the streets in protest. The demonstrations, which were marked by clashes with the police, led to significant unrest and violence in several parts of the country. The situation escalated to the point where the Supreme Court annulled the election results, citing irregularities, and ordered a re-run, which further deepened the political tensions in the nation.
Raila has run for the presidency multiple times, including in 2013, 2017, and 2022. Despite losing in these elections, he has remained a central figure in opposition politics. His supporters view him as a champion of democracy and a defender of the people’s rights.