Raila Odinga: The Iconic Figure Who Transformed Kenyan Politics
Raila Odinga, a charismatic and influential leader, left an indelible mark on Kenya's political landscape, even though he never achieved his ultimate goal of becoming president after five attempts. But here's the intriguing part: his impact went far beyond the ballot box.
For decades, Odinga was a fierce advocate for multi-party democracy, captivating supporters with his fiery speeches and unwavering commitment to political freedom. This made him a beloved figure among his followers, who adored him like a father ('Baba'), and a target for the political elite who felt threatened by his influence.
His passing at 80 in India, where he sought treatment for an undisclosed illness, marks the end of an era for a man who was more than just a politician. It leaves a void in Kenya's opposition, especially as the country gears up for the 2027 elections.
Odinga's political journey was both remarkable and fraught with challenges. Despite hailing from a prominent Kenyan family, the presidency remained elusive, mirroring his father's fate as vice-president post-independence. In 2022, his fifth bid for the top job ended in defeat, though he had come tantalizingly close in 2008 when he was appointed prime minister in a coalition government.
Odinga's political influence was undeniable. His support was so crucial that Kenyan presidents found it difficult to govern without him. This was evident in 2022 when President William Ruto sought a deal with Odinga, resulting in opposition leaders joining the cabinet. But this move sparked controversy, with young protesters accusing Odinga of betrayal, while he maintained he was merely helping the president 'save' the country.
Odinga's life was a tapestry of political drama and personal passion. He was an avid Arsenal fan and a member of the Luo ethnic group. His followers adored him, coining nicknames like 'Agwambo' and 'Tinga', and imitating his signature slow-motion dance at rallies. In 2022, he made history by choosing a female running mate, Martha Karua, a move celebrated as a significant step forward.
Odinga's political lineage was complex. He was the political heir to his father, Jaramogi Odinga, Kenya's first vice-president, who later broke with then-leader Jomo Kenyatta due to ideological differences. This rift led to Jaramogi's imprisonment, and Raila Odinga followed in his footsteps, becoming a political prisoner himself and holding the record for Kenya's longest-serving detainee.
Odinga's struggle against one-party rule was a defining chapter. He was detained twice during Daniel arap Moi's rule, first for a coup attempt, which thrust him into the national spotlight. After multi-party democracy was established, Odinga's repeated electoral losses, which he attributed to cheating, led to a major crisis in 2007, resulting in violence and displacement.
The aftermath saw Odinga become prime minister in a coalition government, but his relationship with President Kibaki was strained. In 2017, he lost the election to Uhuru Kenyatta but won in the Supreme Court, which nullified the result due to irregularities. Odinga's boycott of the re-run and self-declaration as 'the people's president' further intensified the political drama.
The Odinga-Kenyatta rivalry ended with a historic handshake in 2018, leading to Kenyatta's support for Odinga's final presidential bid. Odinga's pan-Africanist vision, which criticized neo-colonialism and promoted African unity, left a lasting legacy. His mediation efforts in Ivory Coast's political crisis, however, were unsuccessful, highlighting the complexities of African politics.
In his personal life, Odinga was a man of diverse interests. He was a gym enthusiast, enjoyed walks in Nairobi and his village in Siaya, and held a master's degree in mechanical engineering from East Germany. His family, including his wife Mama Ida and four children, played a significant role in his life, with his son Fidel's name reflecting the Cold War era.
Odinga's legacy is that of a man who fought for democracy, even if he believed the system failed him. He will be remembered as a founding pillar of Kenya's multi-party democracy, a champion of African unity, and a political figure whose influence transcended electoral victories.
