Raila Odinga: The Enduring Legacy of a Kenyan Political Icon
Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, left an indelible mark on the nation's political landscape despite never securing the presidency. His journey, marked by unwavering dedication to multi-party democracy, has left an enduring legacy that continues to shape Kenya's political future.
Odinga's political career was a whirlwind of passion and controversy. Affectionately known as 'Baba' (father), he was a charismatic leader who inspired near-fanatical loyalty among his supporters. However, this adoration was met with vilification from a threatened political elite, highlighting the intense nature of his influence.
The veteran opposition leader passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 80 in India, where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. His death signals the end of an era for a towering pan-Africanist and leaves a significant void in Kenya's opposition as the country gears up for the 2027 elections.
Odinga's political journey began in a famous Kenyan family, mirroring his father's path. Jaramogi Odinga, Kenya's first vice-president after independence, shared Raila's political aspirations but faced similar setbacks. Raila's five unsuccessful presidential bids, including a close call in 2008 when he became prime minister in a coalition government, underscore the challenges faced by the Odinga dynasty.
In 2022, Odinga made his fifth presidential bid, showcasing his enduring political relevance. However, his political misfortunes extended beyond the presidency. In February, he narrowly missed becoming the head of the African Union Commission, falling short to Djibouti's foreign affairs minister.
Despite these setbacks, Odinga remained a political force that successive Kenyan presidents struggled to govern without. His influence was such that President William Ruto sought his support for a political deal, resulting in opposition leaders being appointed to the cabinet. Four members of Odinga's ODM party joined what is now known as a 'broad-based' government, a move seen by many as Ruto's attempt to solidify his power amidst growing discontent.
Odinga faced criticism, particularly from young people behind last year's anti-government protests, who accused him of betrayal. He defended his actions, insisting that he only 'donated' experts to help the president 'save' the country. Odinga's passion extended beyond politics; he was an avid football fan and supporter of English premier league club Arsenal, drawing from the Luo ethnic group, Kenya's fourth-largest ethnic community.
Odinga's adoring fans had unique nicknames for him, such as 'Agwambo' (Act of God) and 'Tinga' (Tractor), reflecting his party symbol in the 1997 election. His signature slow-motion dance to reggae tunes at rallies, known as 'The Raila Dance,' became a social phenomenon, widely imitated in various gatherings.
In the 2022 presidential election, Odinga chose former Justice Minister Martha Karua as his running mate, a move widely welcomed as the first time a presidential front-runner had chosen a female deputy. Odinga's political journey mirrored his father's, as he was seen as the political heir to Jaramogi Odinga, Kenya's first vice-president after independence.
The Odinga-Kenyatta rivalry, a defining feature of Kenyan politics, culminated in a famous handshake in 2018. This led to Kenyatta's support for Odinga's final presidential bid in 2022, showcasing the transformative power of political reconciliation.
Odinga's dedication to pan-Africanism was evident in his criticism of neo-colonialism. He championed African unity, self-reliance, and integration through infrastructure development, serving as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development from 2018 to 2023. His efforts to mediate in the 2010-2011 Ivory Coast political crisis further underscore his commitment to regional stability.
In his spare time, Odinga enjoyed the gym, neighborhood walks in Nairobi, and village life in Siaya, western Kenya. Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu county, he studied mechanical engineering in East Germany, earning a master's degree in 1970. Odinga's personal life was marked by tragedy, with the late Fidel, Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie as his children.
Odinga's legacy as one of Kenya's founding fathers of multi-party democracy is likely to endure, despite the flaws in the electoral system that denied him the presidency. His impact on Kenyan politics will continue to shape the nation's future, leaving an indelible mark on its democratic trajectory.
