The nicknames that defined Raila Odinga’s political career

As the curtain closes for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga following his demise while receiving treatment in India after developing cardiac arrest, Kenyans have come out to reminisce on the names that Raila earned throughout his political life, a life he gave his all to.

Each political season, Raila had a name that defined him and that particular political moment. These nicknames gave life and vibrancy to his long and eventful career. Perhaps even in his death, he might still earn another nickname.

Baba

Raila Odinga has popularly been known as “Baba”, meaning father, a nickname that became prominent around 2014.

He earned this name while in the United States, and upon his return, his supporters would often update him on the events that had taken place in his absence, beginning their remarks with the phrase “Baba, while you were away…” From then, he was viewed as a political father to many, having mentored countless politicians whose stories or entry into politics could be traced back to him.

Agwambo

Due to Raila’s unpredictable nature in politics, he earned the name “Agwambo”, a Luo word meaning mysterious. Raila has always been an unpredictable political figure no one could tell his next move.

During the 2022 general election, he was even likened to a rugby ball, one that is difficult to predict where it will bounce next.

His mysterious nature has been described in many ways. In 2023, Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah described him as a “witch” (mchawi) but in a positive sense, meaning that Baba could not be trapped easily.

According to Wajackoyah, Raila could “turn into anything” to evade political capture. Even President William Ruto has often referred to him as Agwambo, especially when visiting the Nyanza region to woo Raila’s supporters.

Tinga

In 1997, he attained the name “Tinga”, meaning tractor. This was the party symbol of his National Development Party (NDP), a political vehicle he used to contest the 1997 elections, where he was defeated by President Moi.

The symbol represented the party’s commitment to agriculture, but to his supporters, it embodied Raila’s resilience – the image of a powerful and tireless tractor that came to symbolise his enduring and unbreakable political spirit.

Jakom

“Jakom”, a Luo name meaning chairman or a person holding a leadership position, reflected his influential role both in Luo Nyanza and within the opposition.

For years, he was referred to as Jakom by allies and rivals alike, a recognition of his unchallenged leadership within the ODM Party and beyond.

RAO

“RAO”, an abbreviation of Raila Amollo Odinga, was also among his most recognisable nicknames. It became a common shorthand used on campaign T-shirts, posters, and slogans during various election cycles, symbolising his identity as both a political brand and a national figure.

Baba the 5th

During the heated 2022 Azimio campaigns, when Raila prepared for a fierce battle with Kenya Kwanza, he earned the title “Baba the Fifth”.

The name was highly cherished, printed all over his campaign merchandise, and his rallies rarely ended without supporters chanting or invoking Baba the Fifth, a reference to their hope that he would become Kenya’s fifth president.

People’s president

In 2018, after boycotting the repeat presidential election, Raila declared himself “The People’s President”. The dramatic event saw lawyer and politician Miguna Miguna administer a symbolic oath to him at Uhuru Park in a moment that further cemented his reputation as a man willing to challenge the system at all costs.

Now, these names will forever remain in the minds of Kenyans. What they are left with are memories of his immense contribution to the nation a legacy built not only through politics but also through identity, resilience, and the indelible bond he shared with his people.

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