Who is Raila Odinga?
Raila Amolo Odinga is a prominent Kenyan politician, businessman, and long-serving opposition leader who has been at the heart of Kenya’s political landscape for more than four decades. Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu County, he is the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President after independence and a key figure in the country’s liberation movement.
Raila Odinga is best known for his relentless fight for democracy, social justice, and electoral reforms in Kenya. Often described as a symbol of resistance and reform, he has played a central role in shaping the country’s political direction since the 1980s.
He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Magdeburg in East Germany. Before entering politics, Odinga worked as an engineer and lecturer, but his life took a political turn when he became actively involved in pro-democracy movements during the authoritarian regime of President Daniel arap Moi.
How Many Times Did Raila Odinga Run for the Presidency?
Raila Odinga has contested for Kenya’s presidency five times — in the years 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022.
- 1997: His first presidential bid under the National Development Party (NDP). He finished third behind Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki.
- 2007: Contested as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate. The election ended in controversy and violence, but the crisis led to a power-sharing government, where Raila became Prime Minister (2008–2013).
- 2013: Ran under the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) but lost to Uhuru Kenyatta.
- 2017: Contested again against Uhuru Kenyatta under the NASA coalition. The Supreme Court annulled the first election due to irregularities, but Raila boycotted the rerun.
- 2022: His fifth attempt, running under the Azimio la Umoja coalition, where he narrowly lost to William Ruto.
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When Did Raila Odinga Pass Away?
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away on the morning of October 15th, 2025, in Kochi India, where he had traveled for medical treatment.