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Siaya Governor James Orengo has publicly described the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga as still a "mystery" and called for determining the circumstances surrounding it. In statements made on February 12, 2026, during a press conference and amid ongoing divisions in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Orengo said: “I also want to say without fear of contradiction, the death of Raila Amollo Odinga which is still a mystery to a lot of us, those bearing responsibility of the death of Raila Amollo Odinga are out there and are silent about it but I hope that one day we will determine the circumstances in which Raila Amollo Odinga passed away and that must be an objective that we must achieve.” He reiterated similar remarks in various media appearances and quotes circulated on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and news outlets such as The Star, Citizen TV, NTV Kenya, and Eastleigh Voice. Raila Odinga , the longtime ODM leader and former Prime Minister...

  The Oginga Odinga family met on February 01, 2026 to address internal differences amid a political turmoil within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.  The meeting, convened by ODM leader Oburu Oginga, aimed to resolve issues stemming from divergent views on the party's direction, particularly regarding its engagement with President William Ruto's government.  Oburu took over as ODM Party Leader after the demise of his brother Raila Odinga. Raila had been the ODM leader since its inception in 2005.  The family has been experiencing tensions, with some members, including Winnie Odinga and Raila Odinga Jr., expressing concerns over the party's cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).  Oburu Oginga used the occasion and urged for calm, emphasizing the importance of family unity and open dialogue.  The meeting comes after a series of public spats between Oburu Oginga and his niece Winnie Odinga, with some alleging a plot to "sell" ...

  Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is on the brink of collapse, just months after the death of former Party Leader Raila Odinga. ODM enters a turbulent transition phase under its current Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga, as it plans to enter into a structured pre-election pact with the ruling UDA Party. However the Orange Party is grappling with internal divisions and wrangles, with a section of leaders led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna being against the broad-based government arrangement, with president William Ruto. On January 12 2026, the ODM Party Central Management Committee endorsed Oburu Oginga to lead pre-election coalition negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Seemingly, ODM is eyeing for the running mate position and increased cabinet slots. There's increased pressure for a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to resolve leadership disputes. Brief History of ODM Orange for Democratic Movement (ODM) was formed in 2005 during the constitutional referendum c...

 Dr Oburu Oginga has celebrated his late brother Raila in an emotional note, sharing memories of their past life together. Raila's 81st birthday anniversary was marked by a moment of reflection about his private and public life. The late Raila Odinga was born on January 7th 1945 and died on October 15th 2025. He celebrated his last birthday on January 7th 2025. Oburu and Raila grew up together and were like twins. Oburu was born 14 months earlier than the late Raila Odinga. "My dear brother Raila, It has been incredibly difficult coming to terms with your loss. We grew up as twins, sharing so much of life, laughter, and understanding. Today, it feels unreal to speak of you in the past tense to call you the late Raila," Dr Oburu wrote on his X account. Dr Oburu added that: "I fondly remember your immense contribution to our great country as a foremost statesman, as well as the deep conversations and bond we shared. You were more than a sibling; you were my best friend...

 The Orange Party is staring a major split as secrets of embezzlement of poll funds emerge.  ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna alleged that Suna East MP Junet Mohammed misappropriated close to Shs.500m donated by Uhuru Kenyatta meant to fund poll agents. Junet retaliatory assault to Sifuna's allegation directed his accusations to Uhuru's brother, Muhoho and his personal aide, Patrick Mburu. According to Junet, both Muhoho and Mburu ran a secretive agent and failed to procure poll agents. Saitabao Ole Kanchory defended Sifuna's assertion and blamed Junet for barricading allies that costed the win of Raila Odinga in the 2022 general election. A section of ODM legislators led by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo have urged their Party Leader Oburu Oginga to intervene in a bid to curb the simmering internal wrangles. ODM is glaring a dramatic split, with a section of its members advocating for continued allegiance to the broad-based government arrangement while others are against it. ...

The orange was sliced into two major factions as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) feted its 20th anniversary at the Coastal shores. ODM is now split into two notable factions, the one that is pro-Ruto and another group that has been hyped as pro-people. The pro-Ruto faction supports the broad-based government arrangement and includes the interim party leader Dr Oburu Oginga, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. Other ODM mandarins in support of broad-based government are National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, Mining CS Hassan Joho, Cooperative CS Wycliffe Oparanya, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and National Treasury CS John Mbadi. ODM members purpoting to be pro-people include Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, ODM Deputy Organizing Secretary General Ruth Odinga, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Suba MP Mill...

  Kalonzo Musyoka is the emerging opposition force to reckon with. He inherits the missing link left after the demise of Raila Odinga.  The Duke of Tseikuru is no longer a political underdog and is set to inherit the populous agikuyu votes courtesy of Rigathi Gachagua and the support base of Raila Odinga owing to his previous long-term allegiance. Kalonzo has morphed himself into a strategic, firm and resilient force as 2027 beckons.  The former Vice President recent visit to Kang'oka Jaramogi has reignited his previous support for Raila in 3 successive general elections, 2 of which he was a running mate. Kalonzo stormed the homestead of late Raila with the gift of 100 bulls to the widow - Ida Odinga. Ida was astounded by the generosity that Kalonzo had extended to the family and appreciated that act of magnanimity. Before heading to Raila's home, Kalonzo met Kisumu governor Prof Peter Anyang' Nyong'o and received a rousing welcome in Siaya by governor James Orengo. The...

As the adage would have it, 'No great man lives in vain. The history of the world is but the biography of great men.' The history of Raila Odinga will soon be studied by historians and political scientists across the globe. This is after Durham University, under the auspices of Professor Justin Willis from the Department of History joined fellow researchers into delving deeper in the life of veteran politician who shaped Kenya politics for decades, the late Raila Amolo Odinga. Raila Odinga was a great politician who wielded great powers that was almost similar to that of a president, yet he wasn't one. The former prime minister exhibited great resilience, despite losing several presidential elections. He managed to keep his support base intact, even after losing the presidential contest. Raila is the only Kenya politician who changed the country without ever ruling it. Many politicians in Kenya, particularly those from Western region, depended on Raila's endorsement fo...

  Raila Odinga was one of the most enigmatic politician that Kenya has ever had. The former Prime Minister had a solid support base that held him above most of his political peers. He was always first among the equal, despite never tasting the presidential delicacy. Raila managed to have a huge following, due to his magical sense of humour. Despite being a stammerer, he was comical in his political undertones. He came from one of the most political families, and his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was the first Vice President of Kenya. Oginga Odinga served as the Vice President for 3 years before he resigned following his fallout with the then President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. Raila Odinga was first elected as a member of parliament to represent Langata constituency in 1992. He was in politics for over 3 decades before he died. Why Raila Odinga became popular in the political scene Odinga shot to the limelight after leading a massive walkout from KANU in 2002 to support Mwai Kibaki as th...

  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...

 The death of Raila Odinga became one of the biggest blow to Kenyans as attested by the way he was received upon the arrival of his body at JKIA from India. There was a standstill right from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Parliament buildings, Lee Funeral Home and Kasarani National Stadium due to a huge turnout. JKIA management had to halt flight operations for two hours due to flight scare. This is after an uncontrollable crowd stormed the airport facility to pay their last tribute to the fallen hero. Raila Odinga wasn't just an ordinary mortal, but carried the hearts of many who looked upon him as their hero. The body of Raila lied in state at Kasarani Stadium for public viewing on the 16th October 2025, an event which had been rescheduled from Parliament buildings owing to the surging crowd that almost overwhelmed the security apparatus. President William Ruto led dignataries and Kenyans in the public viewing event. Former president Uhuru Kenyatta was also prese...

  When the clouds gathered, and speculations were rife with Kenyans demanding to know the whereabouts of Raila Odinga, it didn't click the minds of many that they would lose a great man of his calibre. Raila died on the 15th of October 2025 at the age of 80. Raila served as Kenya's second Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013. He was elected as MP for Langata in 1992 and served upto 2013. The death of ODM leader Raila Odinga has sent shockwaves across Kenya and beyond its borders. Raila Odinga was not just an ordinary politician, but he was an above average political strategist who withstood the vagaries of the murkiest field of Kenya politics for over 3 decades. His death has left a huge vaccum in the entire nation, particularly his backyard of luo Nyanza. Who will succeed Raila Odinga? The death of Raila has triggered succession battle, as James Orengo, Opiyo Wandayi, Gladys Wanga, Babu Owino and John Mbadi gears up to fill the gap. ODM leadership will definitely be determined...

  President William Ruto is so witty in his endeavors. He is not taking anything to chance in his re-election bid. Ruto has been on an offensive charm to woo his esrtwhile political nemeses. In a well choreographed manoeuvre, the president of Kenya under the guise of uniting the nation has retracted his initial stance of battling against dynastical rule and has distanced himself from the over-hyped Kenya hustlers. The sequence of dynastical capture Just like his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, president Ruto started with luring his 2022 presidential competitor and a perennial presidential contender - Raila Odinga. President William Ruto reached out to Raila after the 2024 Gen-Zs protests that almost turned into a revolution against the State. The handshake between Ruto and Raila led to the inclusion of ODM diehards in the hastily formed broad-based government. Hassan  Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi were appointed to the Kenya cabinet courtesy of a rapport be...

  Speculations have been rife over the health condition of ODM leader and perennial presidential contender Raila Odinga. Preliminary reports indicate that he is serious ill and hospitalized at the Kings College Hospital in the United Kingdom. However, a confirmed report from his inner circle indicated that the former prime minister had been admitted at unknown hospital in India, in critical condition. Raila was scheduled to lead the ODM party in celebrating their 20th anniversary at Mombasa, but the event was postponed due to his deteriorating health status. ODM Secretariat has already issued a statement asking Kenyans to pray for their party leader. Raila Odinga's last public appearance The ODM leader was last seen with his sister Akinyi Walkowa Odinga, where he was photographed alongside his wife Ida. Akinyi was seen donned in academic regalia, after attaining a doctorate degree specializing in Public administration and Peace studies at the Durban University in South Africa. The ...

  President William Ruto led Kenyans in the celebration of the 62nd Madaraka Day at Raila Odinga stadium in Homa Bay County on Sunday. Homa Bay County governor Gladys Wanga used the occasion to heap praises on Ruto's broad-based government and the numerous economic development that her region had benefited as a result of their cooperation. Wanga applauded the president for initiating a dual-carriage road network in Homa Bay town and the establishment of national government funded modern fish market in the region. The Madaraka Day event that was feted in Raila Odinga’s stronghold was themed: Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs. What Raila Odinga said The protocol was altered when Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki invited former Prime Minister and the doyen of opposition politics, Raila Odinga to speak. Raila asserted that the holding of the event in Homa Bay county was a clear testimony that 'coalition works’. The former premier rose to the occasion and urged President Ruto to...