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  The indomitable scion of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga is a spirit that will dominate Kenya's political scene for ages. Raila Amolo Odinga became the first Kenyan to be sworn in as the people's president, while there was a substantive president in the name of Uhuru Kenyatta. In post- ndependence Kenya, he holds the record of being the longest serving political detainee. He was detained for 10 years. In the multipartism era after quiting Ford Kenya, he resigned from his legislative role to seek a fresh mandate under a new party - the National Development Party (NDP). He was reelected as the MP for Langata, a position he served up to 2013. Raila Odinga was the first person to serve as an MP alongside his father. He was elected as Langata MP in 1992 while his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga won the Bondo seat that same year. Jaramogi was the MP for Bondo until 1994 when he died. He was succeeded by his eldest son Oburu Oginga. Raila served as Kenya's second prime minister from 2008 t...

 Mourners and family gathered on Sunday at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Technology (JOOUST) to pay their last respect to Raila Odinga. The event was graced by local dignitaries and international delegates. Former president Uhuru Kenyatta was among the mourners who hailed Raila as a true statesman. President William Ruto led the nation in bidding farewell to the fallen patriot who bestrode Kenya politics like a colossal.  Odinga served as the second prime minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013, through a unity pact, that ended the 2007-2008 post election violence. The skirmishes were triggered after the electoral commission declaration that Mwai Kibaki had won presidency, which was allegedly rigged. The departed opposition icon shaped Kenya politics for over four decades. He endured detention without trial.  Several leaders across the country and beyond borders paid glowing tribute to the legendary leader who had captured the hearts and imagination of many Kenyans. Th...

  Despite venturing new political frontiers, there is a huge political debt that Raila Odinga never paid. Raila Odinga owed a big political debt to Kalonzo Musyoka. Kalonzo who once served as a vice president supported the former prime minister in 3 general elections. He stood as Raila's running mate in 2 general elections. Raila had promised to support Kalonzo in return. The passing on of Raila Odinga has left many Kenyans orphaned, particularly those in the political circles. There were many politicians who were still hanging on his coat to be endorsed in 2027. The death of Raila marked the end of an era. There are many unfinished plans. He was among the second liberation heroes and fought for the restoration of multiparty democracy in Kenya. He is being ranged alongside his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Masinde Muliro, Martin Shikuku, Kenneth Matiba, George Anyona, James Orengo, Koigi Wa Wamwere and Gitobu Imanyara among many others. Regrettably those who were resting on their ...

  Former US president Barack Obama joined the list of world leaders who mourned the demise of Raila Odinga. Obama described Raila as a champion of democracy who had a long-standing record of struggle for emancipation of Kenyans from the manacles of oppression. "Raila Odinga was a true champion of democracy. A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya," he stated.  Obama added that: "Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values." The former US President relayed his condolence message and that of his wife Mitchelle via social media. "Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world. I know he will be missed. Michelle and I send our deepest...

Winnie Odinga signature remark of 'the King is death, but long live the crown' sums it all. She takes political charge after the demise of her father, Raila Odinga. The protocol at the sendoff ceremony put her last to speak in recognition of her elevated stature. "Some leaders are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them,” William Shakespeare noted Winnie Odinga has all three attributes. The legacy, the achievement and the circumstances. It's no longer a secret that Raila Odinga prepared his last born daughter to take over leadership mantle after his departure. Winnie Odinga moved a glowing tribute as she narrated the last moments with her dad shortly before he died. "He died in my arms. He died strong. With dignity and with pride. The king is dead, but long live the crown," she stated. Winnie called her dad all sort of names as he was fondly referred by many Kenyans at different times, culminating with the one which he was...

  Former President Uhuru Kenyatta received a standing ovation as he rose to mourn the late Raila Amollo Odinga . The former President was among thousands who thronged Nyayo Stadium on the 17th October 2025 for the funeral service in honour of Raila. As soon as Uhuru stood and took to the podium, there was a brief moment of wild chants from the gathering. Uhuru used the occasion to assure Kenyans that he will continue championing the ideals of the departed ODM leader. He mourned Raila as a true statesman who put the interest of nation first before his own. He urged Kenyans to remain steadfast in defending the democracy that Raila fought for during the course of the liberation struggle. "Raila Odinga loved this country more than anything else. He was a father to all, a man who saw no tribe and stood for every Kenyan. As we bid him farewell, we must promise ourselves that the freedoms, rights, and democracy he fought for will never be taken away from us,” Uhuru said. In a moving trib...