Raila Odinga's Legacy: A Political Icon's Impact on Kenya
A Towering Figure in Kenyan Politics
Despite five unsuccessful bids for the presidency, Raila Odinga's influence on Kenyan politics was undeniable. He was a man who left an indelible mark on the nation's political landscape, shaping its trajectory for decades.
The Firebrand Campaigner
For years, Odinga was a staunch advocate for multi-party democracy, a cause he championed with unwavering dedication. His supporters adored him, almost fanatically, while the political elite, feeling threatened by his presence, vilified him. Known affectionately as "Baba" (Father), Odinga was a veteran opposition leader who passed away at the age of 80 in India, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.
A Pan-Africanist's Legacy
Odinga's death marks the end of an era for a true pan-Africanist. His influence extends beyond Kenya's borders, leaving a significant void in the country's opposition as it heads towards the 2027 elections. Despite his political misfortunes, Odinga's impact on Kenyan politics was profound, with successive presidents struggling to govern without his support.
The Political Crown Eludes
Odinga's political journey mirrors that of his father, who also served as vice-president after Kenya's independence from the UK. In 2022, Odinga made his fifth attempt at the presidency, coming closest in 2008 when he was appointed prime minister in a coalition government. However, his political crown remained elusive, just as it had been for his father.
A Force to Be Reckoned With
Despite his unsuccessful bids, Odinga's influence remained strong. President William Ruto's outreach to Odinga for a political deal is a testament to his power. The deal saw opposition leaders appointed to the cabinet, with four members of Odinga's ODM party joining what is now known as a "broad-based" government. Many saw this as Ruto's attempt to consolidate power amid growing discontent with his administration's perceived failure to improve the lives of the poor while heavily raising taxes.
Criticism and Controversy
Odinga faced criticism, particularly from young people who accused him of betrayal during last year's anti-government protests. He defended his actions, stating that he had only "donated" experts to help the president "save" the country. But here's where it gets controversial: Was it a strategic move or a genuine attempt to help? The line between politics and principle can be blurred, leaving room for interpretation.
A Man of Many Nicknames
Odinga, an avid Arsenal fan, belonged to the Luo ethnic group, the fourth largest in Kenya. He had a passionate following, with adoring fans giving him nicknames like "Agwambo" (Act of God) and "Tinga" (Tractor), inspired by his party symbol in the 1997 election. His signature slow-motion dance to reggae tunes, known as "The Raila Dance," became a popular imitation at social gatherings.
A Historic Presidential Election
In the 2022 presidential election, Odinga chose former Justice Minister Martha Karua as his running mate, a move widely welcomed as it marked the first time a presidential front-runner had selected a female deputy. Odinga was seen as the political heir to his father, Jaramogi Odinga, Kenya's first vice-president after independence. However, Jaramogi walked out of the government in 1966 after a fallout with then-leader Jomo Kenyatta, whose son, Uhuru, later became president.
A History of Political Struggles
Jaramogi Odinga favored closer ties with the Soviet Union and China, while Jomo Kenyatta preferred an alliance with the US and Western powers. Their differences led to Jaramogi's imprisonment for 18 months until his release in 1971. Raila Odinga, too, was a former political prisoner, holding the record for Kenya's longest-serving detainee. His struggle against one-party dictatorship saw him detained twice during the rule of Jomo Kenyatta's successor, Daniel arap Moi.
The 2007 Election Crisis
Odinga's belief that he had been cheated of victory led to one of Kenya's biggest political crises in 2007. After mediation talks, Odinga took the post of prime minister in a coalition government, but his relationship with then-President Mwai Kibaki was strained, with Odinga describing it as a "supremacy war." In 2017, he lost to Uhuru Kenyatta at the ballot box but won in the Supreme Court, which nullified the result due to widespread irregularities.
The People's President
Odinga's boycott of the re-run election paved the way for Kenyatta's re-election. He declared himself "the people's president" at a massive rally in Nairobi, with his supporters heeding his call to boycott businesses owned by the Kenyatta family. The long-standing rivalry between Odinga and Kenyatta finally ended with a famous handshake in 2018, with Kenyatta backing Odinga's final bid for the presidency in 2022.
A Dedicated Pan-Africanist
Odinga was a dedicated pan-Africanist who criticized what he called neo-colonialism. He championed African unity, self-reliance, and integration through infrastructure development, serving as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development from 2018 to 2023. He was also appointed by the AU to mediate in the 2010-2011 political crisis in Ivory Coast, but his efforts were unsuccessful as Gbagbo rejected him as a mediator.
A Man of Many Interests
In his personal time, Odinga was often seen in the gym or taking walks in his Nairobi neighborhood and his village in Siaya, western Kenya. He was born in Maseno, Kisumu county, and studied in East Germany, obtaining a master's degree in mechanical engineering in 1970. Odinga was married to Mama Ida, and they had four children: the late Fidel, Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie. Fidel was named after Cuban leader Fidel Castro, and Odinga once explained his choice, saying, "Mr. Castro was seen to be standing against the US in the Vietnam War."
A Legacy of Democracy
Odinga will likely be remembered as one of the founding fathers of multi-party democracy in Kenya. While he felt the electoral system was flawed, denying him the presidency, his impact on Kenyan politics and democracy cannot be overstated. His legacy is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of a strong opposition in a democratic society. And this is the part most people miss: Odinga's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring pursuit of justice and equality.
So, what do you think? Was Odinga's impact on Kenyan politics positive or negative? Did his actions strengthen or weaken the nation's democracy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
