Raila Amolo Odinga is one of the most prominent and polarizing figures in Kenyan politics. From his early years in Maseno to his repeated presidential campaigns and role as Prime Minister, his life reflects both the triumphs and challenges faced by post-colonial African leaders. In this in-depth biography, we will trace his upbringing, education, business ventures, rise in politics, controversies, and legacy.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Raila Odinga was born on 7 January 1945 in Maseno, in Kisumu District, Nyanza Province, Kenya. His parents were Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President, and Mary Juma (Ajuma) Odinga. He belongs to the Luo ethnic group.
Early Education
Raila began his schooling at Kisumu Union Primary School and later attended Maranda Primary School. He proceeded to Maranda High School for his secondary education, but around 1962 he left Kenya to continue studies abroad.
Studies in East Germany
He first attended the Herder Institute (part of the philological faculty at University of Leipzig) for German language and preparation for advanced studies. In 1965, Odinga was awarded a scholarship to study at the Technische Hochschule Magdeburg (today part of Otto von Guericke University) in East Germany. In 1970 he graduated with a diplom (roughly equivalent to a master’s) in Mechanical Engineering / Welding.
During his time in East Germany, he had some opportunities to visit West Berlin via Checkpoint Charlie, sometimes reportedly smuggling goods in the divided city.
Early Career & Business Ventures
Return to Kenya & Business
After finishing his studies in 1970, Odinga returned to Kenya. In 1971, he founded the Standard Processing Equipment Construction & Erection Ltd, later renamed East African Spectre Ltd, specializing in manufacturing LPG cylinders — reportedly the only such company in Kenya at that time.
Civil Service
In 1974, he entered public service as Group Standards Manager at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KeBS). By 1978, he was promoted to Deputy Director at the Bureau, a position he held until 1982. However, his career in civil service was cut short by political turmoil, as Kenya was under one-party rule during the tenure of President Daniel arap Moi.
Political Awakening, Arrests & Exile
Detention Without Trial (1982)
In 1982, Odinga was implicated in a purported coup plot against President Moi’s government. He was detained without trial for six years. During this period, his mother passed away (1984), and reportedly he was not informed immediately.
Further Arrests & Exile
Upon his release in February 1988, he continued activism, leading to further arrests in later months. He was again detained in 1988, then released in June 1989, and detained again in 1990 with other pro-democracy figures. In November 1991, fearing for his life, he fled to Norway and sought asylum. He returned to Kenya in February 1992, as the country began the transition toward multiparty democracy.
Entry into Electoral Politics
First Parliamentary Election
In the 1992 general election, Odinga contested and won the Lang’ata parliamentary seat under the Ford-Kenya party. His father, Jaramogi Odinga, passed away in January 1994.
Political Realignment & Presidency Bid
After internal disagreements in Ford-Kenya, he left to join the National Development Party (NDP). He ran for President in 1997, finishing third, but retained his Lang’ata seat. After the 1997 elections, he led NDP into a merger with Moi’s KANU, and became Energy Minister from 2001 to 2002. Then, following disputes within KANU, he broke away and helped form the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) in 2002, which successfully ended KANU’s long grip on power. He also served as Minister of Roads, Public Works & Housing between 2003 and 2005 under Kibaki’s administration.
The 2007 Election & Coalition Government
In the December 2007 presidential race, Odinga ran under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The results were highly contested, with allegations of vote rigging and post-election violence that claimed over 1,400 lives. After intense negotiations mediated by Kofi Annan, a power-sharing deal was reached. In April 2008, Odinga became Prime Minister, in a coalition government with President Mwai Kibaki. During his tenure as PM (2008–2013), Kenya adopted a new constitution (2010) and implemented policy measures such as tax reliefs on food and fuel.
Later Electoral Battles & Leadership Roles
Presidential Contests
Raila Odinga has contested the presidency multiple times: in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022. He has never won the presidency, though in 2007 he came very close. In the 2022 election, Odinga challenged the result, citing irregularities, but the Supreme Court upheld the outcome in favor of William Ruto.
Role in Opposition & Pan-African Engagement
After 2013, Odinga remained a central figure in opposition politics in Kenya, often leading calls for electoral reform, transparency, and good governance. He has also played roles in regional and continental diplomacy. For example, in 2010–11 he was appointed by the African Union to help mediate the Ivorian political crisis. More recently, Kenya dispatched him in 2025 as a special envoy to South Sudan to mediate rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. In 2024, Odinga declared his candidacy for Chair of the African Union Commission (to succeed Moussa Faki) in early 2025. Domestically, in March 2025, he signed a policy consultation pact with the ruling party (led by President Ruto), aimed at joint governance on key national issues.
Personal Life & Character
Raila Odinga is married to Ida Oyoo Odinga, and they have four children: among them Rosemary, Winnie, Fidel Castro Odinga (deceased), and Raila Junior. He is known by nicknames such as “Agwambo” (meaning “mysterious” or “unpredictable”) and “Tinga” (a Luo word meaning “tractor,” signifying persistence). He has often been characterized as a populist figure, with strong grassroots connection, but also a polarizing personality sometimes criticized for political pragmatism, alliance shifts, and disputes over ideology. Some controversies include accusations of opportunistic alliances, disputed election tactics, and his repeated losses in presidential bids despite large followings.
Legacy, Impact & Criticism
Achievements
- A key figure in Kenya’s transition to multiparty democracy
- Instrumental in forming NARC in 2002 that ended KANU’s dominance
- As Prime Minister, presided over constitutional reform (2010)
- A voice for electoral integrity, devolution, and governance reform
Criticisms & Challenges
- Repeated unsuccessful presidential bids raise questions about electoral strategy
- Critiques of shifting political alliances
- Accusations of overreliance on protests or court challenges
- Some see his role in recent pacts with ruling parties as compromising opposition independence
Influence
Even as opposition, Odinga’s influence has often shaped public discourse in Kenya—on devolution, electoral reform, human rights, and accountability. His career spans decades, making him one of Kenya’s enduring political actors.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. When was Raila Odinga born?
He was born on 7 January 1945 in Maseno, Kenya.
Q2. What is Raila Odinga’s educational background?
He studied in East Germany — at Herder Institute (language) and Technische Hochschule Magdeburg — earning a diplom in Mechanical Engineering / Welding in 1970.
Q3. How many times has he run for President?
He has run for the presidency five times (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2022).
Q4. Did he ever win a presidential election?
No, he has never won the presidency, though he came closest in the 2007 election.
Q5. When was he Prime Minister of Kenya?
He served as Prime Minister from April 2008 to April 2013 under a coalition government.
Q6. What are some of his nicknames?
He is sometimes called “Agwambo” (mysterious/unpredictable) and “Tinga” (tractor, denoting persistence).
Conclusion
Raila Odinga’s life is a tapestry of resilience, political struggle, and public service. From his early days in Maseno through years of imprisonment, exile, electoral battles, and leadership of Kenya’s opposition, he has remained a stalwart champion of democracy in East Africa.
Although he has not achieved the presidency, his influence on Kenya’s political landscape—constitutional reform, multiparty debates, and human rights advocacy—is indelible.
His story is not without controversy, but it is one of persistence. As Kenya evolves, Raila Odinga continues to play a central role in shaping the nation’s political future.
