Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, has passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a complex legacy. But was he a hero or a controversial figure? The life and death of this former prime minister and presidential hopeful is a story of ambition, influence, and a nation's turbulent journey towards democracy.
Odinga's death in India, confirmed by a hospital in Kerala, sent shockwaves through Kenya and beyond. The news sparked an outpouring of tributes, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling him a 'statesman' and many Kenyans remembering his commitment to democracy. This influential politician had just formed a political pact with President William Ruto, bringing his opposition party into government policymaking.
But here's where it gets controversial... Odinga's political journey was marked by five presidential bids over three decades, each with a real chance of victory. His closest call came in 2007 when he lost to Mwai Kibaki in a disputed election that ignited ethnic violence. Odinga's camp rejected the results, citing an unreliable electoral authority, and protests erupted, leading to a tragic loss of life.
Born in 1945, Odinga was the son of Kenya's first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as an activist against President Daniel arap Moi's one-party rule. However, he was accused of treason in connection with a failed coup attempt, leading to a decade of detention and claims of torture. He insisted that his activism was peaceful, aimed at bringing change through education and mobilization.
After a brief exile in Europe, Odinga returned to Kenya in 1992 and won a seat in the national assembly, riding a wave of anti-corruption sentiment. He later joined Moi's government as energy minister but failed to secure the ruling party's nomination for president. His political prowess was evident in the rise of Mwai Kibaki, whom he backed in 2002 but later faced in the contentious 2007 election.
Odinga's political career spanned decades, and he remained a formidable force even in his later years. In 2017, he advocated for civil disobedience after losing another presidential bid, arguing that street protests were a democratic right. His final presidential campaign in 2022, backed by outgoing President Kenyatta, ended in defeat, leading to accusations of electoral fraud and street protests.
And this is the part most people miss... Odinga's life and career embody the complexities of Kenya's political evolution. While some celebrate him as a champion of democracy, others remember the violence that marred his political campaigns. Was he a victim of a flawed system or a controversial figure in a nation's struggle for stability? The debate continues, and his legacy remains a subject of reflection and discussion for Kenyans and observers of African politics.
