16/10/2025
By Deng Garang Bul
Lessons from Raila Odinga: Building a Legacy that Outlives Politics
When people talk about Kenya’s political journey, one name always stands out — Raila Amolo Odinga. For more than four decades, Raila has been at the centre of Kenya’s fight for democracy, justice, and political reform. He has never been president, yet his influence on Kenya’s politics is undeniable. His story is not just about politics. It’s about resilience, conviction, and the psychology of hope.
I first came to know Raila Amolo Odinga when I returned to Kenya in late 2000. At that time, he entered into a cooperation agreement between his party, the NDP, and KANU, accepting a position in President Moi’s cabinet as Minister for Energy from 2001 to 2002. This was followed by the merger of the two parties into New KANU, where Raila was elected Secretary-General, replacing Joseph Kamotho. I believe this marked a turning point in Kenya’s political landscape — a bold and strategic move that disrupted the long-standing political monopoly under President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi and paved the way for a more open and competitive political system.
Raila’s legacy began with his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president, who also believed in equality and fair governance. Growing up in such a politically conscious family, Raila learnt early that leadership was not about power or titles, but about service and persistence. He endured detention without trial, political exclusion, and multiple election losses. Yet, each time he fell, he stood up again — not for personal gain, but for the belief that Kenya could be fairer and freer.
His major contributions are written all over Kenya’s political history. Raila played a vital role in the restoration of multi-party democracy in the 1990s, helping to end the one-party rule that had limited citizens’ voices. Later, he was a key architect in the 2010 Constitution, which decentralised power and gave more control to counties — a move that helped reduce inequality and tribal competition. Even his political handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018 showed his willingness to put the country before his personal ambitions.
Psychologically, Raila represents what political scientists call “resilient leadership” — the ability to stay motivated despite repeated setbacks. He embodies the idea that true leadership is not about winning every battle, but about staying committed to the bigger cause. His persistence has inspired generations of Kenyans to believe that change is possible, even when the system seems immovable.
Now, looking at South Sudan, it’s clear that we need our own Raila Odingas, not in name, but in spirit. Our nation is young, and our leaders, both past and present, have faced enormous challenges. But the tragedy is that too many of them have focused on short-term power instead of long-term nation-building. The result is a country rich in potential but poor in unity and direction.
What we can learn from Raila’s story is simple but powerful: a leader’s real legacy is measured not by how long they hold office, but by what they build for others to inherit. Every South Sudanese, not just those in government , has a part to play in shaping that legacy. You don’t have to lead a revolution to make a difference. You can start by mentoring a young person, building a school, promoting peace in your community, or speaking truth with respect. These are tangible actions that slowly reshape a nation’s psychology from despair to hope.
As Raila’s journey shows, real change takes time, and it demands emotional strength. It means absorbing criticism, facing rejection, and still standing firm for what is right. For South Sudan, this mindset, not just politics, is what will build a stable, united future.
In the end, history remembers those who build, not those who destroy. Raila Amolo Odinga may not have been president, but he has changed Kenya forever. If every South Sudanese, from leaders to ordinary citizens, commits to doing even one thing that lifts others, we too can create a legacy that speaks louder than power.
Author’s Reflection
When I think of Raila’s story, I see more than a politician. I see a symbol of endurance and hope. I first came to know him personally during a moment of political shift in Kenya’s history, and it taught me that real leadership is about courage to challenge the system for the sake of the people.
He reminds us that leadership is a calling, not a career. In South Sudan, we have the same opportunity to write our own story of resilience and renewal. We cannot wait for one great man or woman to fix it all; we must each do our part, no matter how small.
Change begins when we stop blaming and start building. Just as Raila fought for Kenya’s political rebirth, we too can fight for a South Sudan that values fairness, peace, and progress over pride and power. That, in truth, is how lasting legacies are made.
![[Pictorial 2] Alokthok Ceremony of Pual Ajook Garang and Mary Aguet Jurkuch [ Adhiok, Pan-Ayol ] and [ Kongor,Panbior ] ...](https://img3.medioq.com/350/392/1419599313503924.jpg)
![[Pictorial 1] Alokthok Ceremony of Pual Ajook Garang and Mary Aguet Jurkuch [ Adhiok, Pan-Ayol ] and [ Kongor,Panbior ] ...](https://img4.medioq.com/017/108/1419594400171082.jpg)
