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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...

 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...

 Like the proverbial cat, Raila Amollo Odinga has nine political lives. Despite losing 5 presidential elections, he has always manoeuvred his way to government. It beats common logic how the ODM leader managed to sneak 4 allies to holding key cabinet positions in Ruto's government. The nomination of Ali Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi as Cabinet Secretaries got Kenyans unaware and left mixed reactions among citizens. The mystery that merged the two political giants occurred amidst widespread protests drawn from Generation Z popularly dubbed as Gen Z. Gen Z, comprising a group of youths born in the late 90s and early 2000s, who were dissatisfied with punitive tax measures imposed on Kenyans by Kenya Kwanza government storm the streets demanding change. The protests that culminated into a section of Gen Z youths storming the precincts of parliament led to the withdrawal of the 2024 Finance Bill and dissolution of the Cabinet by President William Ruto. Owi...

  Raila Odinga's quest to liberate Kenyans from authoritarianism remain unstoppable. History of the Saba Saba event in Kenya The original Saba Saba rally was organized by Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia and Raila Odinga. However, the three didn't make it to the Kamukunji venue. The first Saba Saba rally in Kenya took place on 07/07/1990. The aim of the event was to bludgeon the then president Daniel Arap Moi to repeal section 2(A) of the Constitution in paving way for multiparty democracy. Political players Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, Raila Odinga, lawyers John Khaminwa and Gitobu Imanyara were arrested by the police. Kiraitu Murungi who was on a trip to Ethiopia, chose to cut-off his journey back to Kenya and fled to the United Kingdom. Lawyer Mohammed Ibrahim, currently a judge of the Supreme Court, was arrested by the Special Branch officers after they failed to find the then Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Paul Muite at his office. Senior Counsel Gibson K...

  Ever heard about the history of multiparty democracy and how several African countries succumbed to pressure that thrashed one-party dictatorship. Multiparty politics was majorly influenced by countries with established democracies such as the West led by Britain and America. Raila Amollo Odinga is one of the most powerful politicians in Kenya. He is revered both locally and abroad. He enjoys a wider political network, superseding those of his political detractors, with an edge. The doyen of opposition politics staged a series of street protests rejecting to recognize the legitimacy of William Ruto as Kenya's validly elected president. How Raila's impact resonates with other African countries In 2007, Raila Odinga protested the outcome of the presidential election which placed Mwai Kibaki ahead of him. The spontaneous election violence that ensued the 2007 General Elections in Kenya remains one of the darkest moment in Kenya's history. Incidences of almost a similar natu...

  ODM leader Raila Odinga has intensified his call for the reopening of IEBC servers for public scrutiny to identify who really won the 2022 Kenya Presidential election. Raila has called for mass protest over increased cost of living, while advancing his own political agenda. The increased cost of living has given Raila impetus in his renewed assault against the government which, in his own view, lost in 2022 elections. Will Raila manage to oust Ruto? President William Ruto is yet to unleash any physical confrontation of State machinery against his political nemesis, despite heightened pressure to lessen the tax burden from the previous pupulace. Kenya's appetite for foreign debt is still high. The government totally erred when it attributed that the current inflationary rate is occasioned to the fluctuating global oil prices. Russian incursion on Ukraine had also pinned as a contributing factor to increased prices of essential commodities. The scion of Jaramogi underpins the re...

  Many Kenyans wonder why President William Ruto hasn't sent security forces to thwart Raila's rallies. ODM leader Raila Odinga is arguably Kenya's last strong man that's still standing and daring the Kenyan bulls by their horns. Political underdogs in both camps have made a name by either praising or ridiculing him, depending on which region you are based. Raila has dared four Kenya's presidents in a row. History have it that he almost dethroned Daniel Arap Moi through military in 1982. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta succumbed to the 'handshake deal' to lessen Raila's impact on economic sabotage, that would have cost the country's GDP. The doyen of opposition politics has a massive following and is most feared by Kenya government.  Deployment of security forces to preclude his political operations might amount to human rights violations such as extrajudicial killings. President Ruto fears going the Hague route again, as most of Raila's supporte...

Qu estions continue to arise as to whether the alleged arrest plan of Dr Fred Matiang'i was an act of vengeance or a well choreographed ploy to induce him to the political inner core. Dr Matiang'i was a key Cabinet Secretary in the previous regime in charge of the security docket. He wielded excess powers, and had much say than the Deputy President. Citizen TV had reported that the elite police squad had camped the home of Matiang'i to arrest him. This prompted a quick rebuttal, and a battery of lawyers led by Danstun Omar stormed his Karen home to defend Matiang'i from arrest. Police IG Japhet Koome has distanced the security forces from the night onslaught. Interior CS Prof Kithure Kindiki echoed the IG's sentiment to the effect that the police were not involved in the night raid at his predecessor's home. Azimio Coalition members and their Kenya Kwanza have sharply differed over the imminent arrest of the former Interior CS. Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah ...

  Kenya is set to undergo a democratic process in which Kenyans will have a chance to vote in leaders of their choice. The country has experienced a vicious electioneering period, characterized with harsh exchanges, sometimes leading to physical confrontation among antagonizing camps. The heat of the election moment will be felt ahead of the announcement of a new president. Opposition leader Raila Amollo Odinga is expected to face a fierce contest with Deputy President William Samoei Ruto . The two top presidential contenders have not left anything to chance. Raila is making his fifth presidential stab, while Ruto will be on his first attempt. If history was to repeat itself, Raila Odinga has the highest chance of being elected to replace President Uhuru Kenyatta. Former President Mwai Kibaki and his successor Uhuru Kenyatta failed on their first attempts. Basing on the same precedence, it's expected that Ruto will not make it to presidency. However, this fact is hypothetical a...

Kenya will hold a General Election on August 09 th 2022. Top Presidential contenders include Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga. Just like the previous two elections, there will be no run-off as there’s no other third person with nationwide support other than Ruto and Raila. Opposition Leader Raila Odinga has a long history of contesting for presidency and this will be his fifth stab for the top job. Deputy President William Ruto will be vying for presidency for the first time and is likely to give the doyen of opposition politics a run for his money. DP Ruto enjoys massive support from the underprivileged courtesy of his ‘Hustler’ narrative, which resonates well with the lower echelon. Ruto will vie on a UDA ticket.  The second in command has upset the status quo by snatching President Uhuru Kenyatta his support base due to the latter’s dalliance with Raila. Selling Raila in Central Kenya has been a herculean task and has significantly reduced Uhuru’s influ...