Raila Odinga: Di political chess master for Kenya wey command millions of followers

Kenya former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, na one politician wey people dey respect well well: e supporters dey love am, e political opponents dey respect am, and even people wey no dey take sides dey admire am.

Odinga, wey be 80 years old, die of heart attack while dem dey treat am for one hospital for Kerala, southern India, on October 15.

As news of e death come out on Wednesday, Kenya enter serious mourning. Odinga family, friends, politicians, and even e critics, almost all of dem talk say e be statesman, leader wey dey selfless and always put Kenya interest first.

Kenya President, William Ruto, call Odinga 'peacemaker' and talk say e be 'man wey no dey choose easy road when the right road hard pass.'

'Most significant leader of Kenya democratic experiment'

President Ruto talk say, 'No doubt dey say Hon Raila Odinga na the most significant leader for our democratic experiment. E carry himself with courage and grace, and e voice, sometimes dey hot, sometimes dey soft, always get purpose.'

Kenya fourth President, Uhuru Kenyatta, wey work with Odinga during e second term (2017-2022), talk say Odinga 'na man wey go make you sharpen your ideas, and defend your position with passion.'

Former Vice President, Kalonzo Musyoka, describe Odinga as 'exemplary leader, the president wey win but dem no declare and swear into office.'

Musyoka dey refer to the 2007 presidential election wey Odinga lose to President Mwai Kibaki, wey later cause post-election violence wey claim over 1,200 lives for Kenya.

'Enigma and father of Kenya democracy'

One of Odinga strong opponents, Rigathi Gachagua, wey be former deputy president, call Odinga 'enigma' and 'father of Kenya democracy.'

Gachagua talk say Odinga go dey remembered for e 'resilience, persistence, and democratic values,' and e voice during tough times.

For Africa political scene, Odinga presence dey big. African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, wey defeat Odinga for February 2025 AUC chairmanship election, describe am as 'towering figure for Kenya political life and champion of democracy, good governance, and people-centered development.'

African leaders mourn Odinga

Youssouf add say Odinga 'commitment to justice, pluralism, and democratic reform leave mark not only for Kenya but across Africa.'

African leaders like Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Zambia Hakainde Hichilema, South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and others send condolence messages.

President Ramaphosa talk say: 'Raila Odinga dey committed to e country development and peace for Africa,' while South Sudan President Salva Kiir call am 'Pan-Africanist wey fight for democracy and justice.'

Odinga na leader wey sabi bring people together, e charisma no get rival for Kenya politics, and e fight for democracy dey well known.

Mastered the art of politics

Odinga sabi politics well, e dey active for over 40 years, mostly for opposition. Even though e no get official state title, e still dey influence government.

Son of Kenya first vice-president

Odinga na son of Kenya first Vice-President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. E papa resign as VP in 1966 after e fallout with President Jomo Kenyatta.

Detention

Odinga dey detained for six years in 1982 over coup allegations against President Moi. After e release, dem arrest am again before e flee go Norway in 1991.

Odinga return from exile in 1992, win parliamentary seat, and later contest for president in 1997 but come third.

Support for Kenya late President Mwai Kibaki

Odinga support Kibaki for 2002 election after Moi choose Uhuru Kenyatta as successor. Kibaki win and appoint Odinga as roads minister.

'Handshake' with former President Uhuru Kenyatta

Odinga and Kenyatta settle differences in 2018 with 'handshake.' E contest against Ruto in 2022 but lose.

Large support base

Odinga get strong support base, especially for Nyanza region. E party, ODM, dey hold 25% of parliamentary seats.

Unsuccessful AU Commission chairmanship bid

Odinga lose AU chairmanship bid in 2025 but still dey active for Kenya politics. Talks about constitutional amendment to create PM seat for am no work out.

Giant of Kenya politics exits the stage

Odinga, wey people dey call 'Baba,' 'Tinga,' and 'Jakom,' leave behind e wife, Ida, and three children. E first son, Fidel, die in 2015.