Obituary: Raila Odinga
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday, leaving behind a significant legacy in the realm of democracy in Kenya.
Political Legacy
Raila Odinga was a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, known for his five attempts to win the presidency. Despite never achieving this goal, he remained an influential leader and was often referred to as the “father of Kenyan democracy.”
Kenyan President William Ruto described Odinga as a “once-in-a-generation leader” and “a towering leader whose ideals transcended politics.” Recently, Odinga had signed a political pact with President Ruto, involving his opposition party in government policymaking and leading to the appointment of its members to the cabinet.
Early Life and Career
Born in 1945 in Kisumu, near Lake Victoria, Odinga was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president. He pursued engineering studies in East Germany and later taught at the University of Nairobi. Odinga also established several businesses, including a successful enterprise selling liquid petroleum gas cylinders.
Political Activism
Odinga gained prominence in the 1980s as a political activist opposing the one-party rule of President Daniel arap Moi. This activism led to his detention twice, from 1982 to 1988 and again from 1989 to 1991. After his release, he fled the country amid assassination fears, returning in 1992 to win a seat in the national assembly as an opposition lawmaker.
Presidential Campaigns
Odinga’s presidential bids spanned from the 1997 general election to 2022, where he was defeated by President William Ruto. Following his loss, Odinga claimed electoral fraud and initiated a series of protests.
Personal Life and Legacy
Odinga, affectionately known as “Baba,” was an avid football fan known for his distinctive slow-motion dance at rallies. He is survived by his wife, Ida, and three of their four children.
His passing marks the end of an era for a significant figure in Kenyan politics and leaves a notable void in the country’s political opposition as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
National Mourning
President Ruto announced a seven-day period of mourning and a state funeral with full military honors in Odinga’s memory.
