By Zuleikha Salim
Raila Amolo Odinga was more than just a politician, he was a symbol of hope, courage, and struggle for millions of Kenyans. His life was full of ups and downs, victories and heartbreaks, but one thing never changed: his deep love for Kenya and his dream of a fair and just country.
A life of struggle and sacrifice
Born in 1945 to Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila grew up around politics and public service. From a young age, he believed that Kenya deserved freedom not just from colonial rule, but also from bad leadership and corruption.
He spent years fighting for democracy when the country was under one-party rule. He was arrested several times and even spent time in prison for standing up for what he believed in.
Many people would have given up, but Raila never did. He always came back stronger.
The people’s champion
Raila connected deeply with ordinary Kenyans. Whether you were a farmer, a student, or a worker in the city, he made you feel seen and heard. People loved him because he spoke their language and understood their struggles.
He fought for reforms that gave Kenya the 2010 Constitution, which promised more rights and fairer governance. Even though he never became president, he helped shape the democracy we enjoy today.
Many elections, many lessons
Raila ran for president five times — in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 — but he never gave up despite losing each time. Every election came with tension, hope, and sometimes pain. The 2007 post-election violence was one of the darkest times in our history, and Raila was at the center of it — calling for justice, but also for peace when the country was breaking apart.
Some saw him as a hero of democracy, others as a man who couldn’t let go of power. But whether you agreed with him or not, you could never ignore him.
The handshake and his later years
In 2018, Raila shocked the nation when he made peace with his rival, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, in what became known as “the handshake.” Some called it betrayal, while others called it leadership. It showed that he could put the country above his personal ambitions.
In his later years, he continued to speak for fairness and unity. Even when he didn’t hold office, his voice still mattered. His courage and persistence inspired both admiration and debate – proof of how deeply he touched the hearts of Kenyans.
His legacy
Raila Odinga’s story is not just about politics, it’s about endurance. It’s about believing in change, even when it takes longer than expected.
He taught Kenyans that leadership is not only about winning elections, but also about fighting for truth, justice, and equality.
He will be remembered as a man who loved his country deeply, who suffered for it, and who never stopped dreaming of a better Kenya.
His life reminds us that one person’s courage can keep a whole nation hopeful.
