15/10/2025
🕊️History of the rt Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga.🕊️
Raila Odinga, affectionately known as "Baba" or "Agwambo" (meaning "the mysterious one" in Luo), was a Kenyan politician who left an indelible mark on the country's history. Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu District, Nyanza Province, Raila was destined for greatness, being the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice President.¹
Early Life and Education
Raila Odinga attended Kisumu Union Primary School, Maranda Primary, and Maranda High School. He later proceeded to Germany, where he studied at the Herder Institute and the Technical University of Magdeburg, graduating with a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1970. Upon returning to Kenya, he worked as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi's Mechanical Engineering Department and founded East African Spectre Limited, a company specializing in LPG gas cylinder manufacturing.
Entry into Politics
Raila's entry into politics was marked by his activism against President Daniel arap Moi's one-party rule. In 1982, he was arrested and detained without trial for six years after being linked to a failed coup attempt. This marked the beginning of his long and tumultuous relationship with Kenya's political establishment. Upon his release, he continued to advocate for multi-party democracy, which ultimately led to the reintroduction of plural politics in Kenya.⁴
Political Career
Raila Odinga's political career spanned over four decades, during which he held various positions, including:
- *Member of Parliament for Langata Constituency* (1992-2013)
- *Minister for Energy* (2001-2002)
- *Prime Minister of Kenya* (2008-2013)
He was a key figure in the formation of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and played a crucial role in shaping Kenya's democratic landscape. Raila contested five presidential elections (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022) but never emerged victorious.