The Odinga Legacy: Raila’s Quest for Justice, Democracy and Nationhood
For over four decades, Raila Amolo Odinga has stood at the heart of Kenyan politics, a figure as polarizing as he is respected, as persistent as he is principled. Whether lauded as “Baba” by his supporters or criticized by opponents, his legacy is undeniable: a lifelong struggle for democracy, social justice and national transformation. Raila’s political journey is deeply intertwined with Kenya’s own democratic evolution, a story of resilience, sacrifice and unfinished aspirations.
Raila Odinga was born in 1945 to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President and one of the foremost voices in the country’s independence struggle. From early on, politics was more than a career path it was a family inheritance, a duty and often, a burden. His father’s opposition to one-party rule in the post-independence era set the tone for Raila’s own confrontational stance against authoritarianism. Growing up under the shadow of Jaramogi’s legacy, Raila inherited not only his father’s political instincts but also his sense of justice and willingness to challenge the status quo often at great personal cost.
Raila’s influence in Kenyan politics is perhaps most evident in his unique role as both a kingmaker and a perpetual contender. In 2002, he famously endorsed Mwai Kibaki under the “Kibaki Tosha” slogan, leading to a landslide victory for the opposition and the end of KANU’s 40-year rule. But his own presidential ambitions remained elusive. Raila ran for president five times in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022, and lost each time under circumstances often marred by controversy and allegations of electoral fraud. The 2007 post-election violence, which left over 1,000 dead and hundreds of thousands displaced, remains a painful chapter in the nation’s history. Despite the setbacks, Raila’s campaigns consistently sparked national debates about governance, inclusion, and electoral justice. He brought issues like devolution, anti-corruption and constitutional reform into mainstream discourse.
Perhaps one of the most defining and surprising moments in Raila’s career came in March 2018, when he shook hands with President Uhuru Kenyatta, his former rival. The symbolic gesture ended months of political tension following the disputed 2017 election and marked the beginning of the “Building Bridges Initiative” (BBI). While the BBI aimed to address historical injustices, promote unity and restructure power-sharing arrangements, it was also criticized for being elitist and politically expedient. The Supreme Court eventually ruled it unconstitutional, but the initiative nonetheless showcased Raila’s evolution from a radical opposition leader to a statesman willing to compromise for peace.
Despite never attaining the presidency, Raila Odinga’s impact on Kenyan politics is far-reaching. He has redefined what opposition politics can achieve in a democracy. He has consistently demanded accountability from ruling regimes, energized civic engagement and helped shape some of the most important political reforms in the country’s history. Raila also played a central role in Kenya’s 2010 constitution, one of the most progressive on the continent, emphasizing devolution, human rights and checks and balances. His legacy also includes mentoring a new generation of political leaders and creating space for robust public discourse in Kenya. Whether or not he ever holds the highest office, the systems, freedoms and political norms he helped shape will endure.
Raila Odinga may never be sworn in as President of the Republic of Kenya, but for millions, he remains the people’s president. His journey from solitary detention cells to massive rallies, from electoral defeats to historic handshakes ,reflects both the promise and the pain of Kenya’s democratic journey. As he gradually steps away from active politics, the question of succession remains open. But his legacy is already sealed: Raila Odinga transformed opposition politics into a national force, proved that change can come from persistence and left a mark not just on the ballot, but in the hearts and minds of a nation.
