Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80, was more than a politician.

He was a freedom fighter, a thinker, and a dedicated servant of Kenya and Africa.

His life, shaped by the lessons of colonialism and the leadership of Africa’s most revered figures, was defined by courage, perseverance, and an unshakable commitment to democracy.

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He was born in Maseno

Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Nyanza Province, Raila was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president, and Mary Ajuma Odinga.

Growing up in a politically active family, he witnessed the struggles and ideals of African liberation first-hand.

He learned from leaders such as Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere, Kwame Nkrumah, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Nelson Mandela. Mandela’s belief that courage is the triumph over fear resonated deeply with him.

Raila internalised the idea that the valiant do not die many times but live through their convictions, a principle he carried into his political life.

Raila left to study in Germany at the age of 17

Raila’s education began in Kisumu and Siaya before he left Kenya at 17 to study in East Germany.

He attended the Herder Institute in Leipzig and later earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Otto von Guericke University in Magdeburg, specialising in production technology.

Upon returning to Kenya, he worked as an assistant lecturer at the University of Nairobi and helped establish the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

He also founded engineering firms, including PECSA, which manufactured gas cylinders for Kenya and East Africa, showing his dedication to building practical solutions for the country.

Raila was detained without trial for six years

His political journey began after his release from six years of detention following the failed 1982 coup attempt.

In 1992, he won the Lang’ata parliamentary seat under FORD-Kenya and later founded the National Democratic Party, the Liberal Democratic Party, and eventually the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Raila consistently championed democracy, electoral reform, and good governance.

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He led coalitions such as CORD and NASA, often challenging entrenched corruption and pushing for inclusive governance, while mentoring a new generation of leaders.

Baba was a football player

Odinga once played as a midfielder for Luo Union, now known as Gor Mahia, and was a fan of English Premier League club Arsenal.

He oversaw the implementation of the 2010 Constitution

Raila’s courage was most visible during Kenya’s turbulent political moments. He became the country’s ultimate political prisoner and a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom.

As Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, he oversaw the implementation of the 2010 Constitution and contributed to economic growth.

Beyond Kenya, he served as a Special Peace Envoy for the African Union, mediating conflicts in Mozambique, Burundi, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Côte d’Ivoire.

He combined diplomacy with grassroots activism, moving effortlessly between dusty campaign grounds and high-level negotiations with world leaders.

He ran for the presidency five times

Even in the face of repeated electoral defeats, Raila remained committed to the people’s mandate.

He ran for president in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, accepting court rulings without retreating from his mission.

He also championed initiatives like the 2018 “Handshake” and the National Dialogue Committee MoU in 2025, aimed at reforming Kenya’s governance and addressing youth unemployment.

Raila was a family man

Raila was a family man, married to Ida Betty Oyoo, with four children: Fidel (deceased), Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie.

Known affectionately as ‘Baba” and “Agwambo,” he balanced politics, business, and scholarship with ease.