Former Prime Minister Of Kenya Raila Odinga Dies At 80
Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan political life, a fearless champion of democracy and one of the most consequential leaders in the history of post-independence Kenya has died. He passed away peacefully at the age of 80, surrounded by his family. Raila Odinga was married to Mama Ida Odinga, his lifelong partner and confidante. Together, they raised a family that has contributed in various ways to public service. His son Raila Odinga Jr. and daughter Rosemary Odinga carry forward his values of service and social responsibility.
Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kenya, Raila Odinga was the son of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and grew up in the crucible of nationalist politics. Educated in Germany as an engineer, he returned to Kenya and soon emerged as a leading voice for political reform during an era when dissent was dangerous.
Raila Odinga's political journey spanned over four decades and was defined by his unyielding fight for democracy, human rights, and social justice. Jailed multiple times during the authoritarian regimes of the 1980s and early 1990s, he became a symbol of resistance for millions of Kenyans yearning for a freer, more inclusive nation.
In 1992, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Lang’ata, beginning a long and eventful parliamentary career. He served in various capacities, including as Minister for Energy and later Roads, Public Works and Housing. His leadership style was bold and his passion for transformation made him a force to be reckoned with in Kenyan politics.
Raila Odinga’s bid for the presidency defined much of Kenya's political discourse in the 21st century. He contested five presidential elections (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022), each campaign galvanizing millions. While official results denied him victory, many Kenyans regarded him as “Baba”, a father figure and a voice for the oppressed. The 2007 post-election violence, which claimed over 1,000 lives led to a power-sharing deal brokered with then, President Mwai Kibaki, making Raila Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. During this period, Kenya saw significant constitutional reform, culminating in the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, one of the crowning achievements of his career.
In 2018, in a surprise gesture of reconciliation, Raila famously shook hands with President Uhuru Kenyatta the “Handshake”, ushering in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) aimed at healing national divisions. Though controversial, it reflected Raila’s enduring commitment to unity and dialogue.
In death, as in life, Raila Odinga remains a symbol of the Kenyan spirit; indomitable, aspirational and ever striving toward justice. Flags fly at half-mast, but his legacy soars. Your footsteps remain etched in the soil of a grateful nation.