Raila Odinga: The Man who Cared

 Paying my respects to a Kenyan legend.

On October 15th 2025, Raila Odinga passed away at the age of 80. His death was a blow to Kenyans. Raila Amolo Odinga was not just a politician. He wasn't just a Prime Minister.  He was a maverick. A fighter. A hero. 

As a Kenyan Gen Z who hails from the same region of Kenya as Raila (Siaya county), I know some things about him, but not a whole lot. The first time I heard about him was when my parents and a friend were discussing the 2007 elections (I was four years old at the time). I'm not old enough to remember how Raila was in his political prime; but from what I've heard from my parents, he was a force to be reckoned with. 

Raila was the son of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Jaramogi was a key player in Kenya's struggle for independence and became Kenya's first Vice President. The phrase "like father, like son" clearly applied to Raila. He was a strong advocate for a multi-party political system, which seemed like a dream in the 1980s, as Kenya was ruled by the one-party Kenyan African National Union (KANU) at the time. He ran for president five times and lost (although if we're being honest, some of the 'losses' were due to fraudulent electoral shenanigans...). He was imprisoned for years, without trial. Yet he was never completely broken. His fire kept burning.

Raila was a man with a passion for Kenya, a passion which was matched by his fans. I have never seen a fanbase quite like Raila's. Gargantuan crowds gathered to listen to him speak at rallies.  Raila fans christened him with all sorts of nicknames: from 'Agwambo' ('mysterious' in Dholuo) to 'Amolo serikali' ('government' in Swahili), to 'Jatelo engineer' (referring to his Master's degree in engineering). Entire songs have been composed about Raila. I heard one of his followers claiming that "we [him and his fellow followers] are dying with you!" I mean, talk about a die-hard supporter!

Raila clearly cared about Kenya and its people, which earned him great affection and respect from Kenyans. He wasn't just another public figure; he was 'Baba', a true father of Kenya. Whether it was enjoying an amusement ride with his grandchildren, or riding in a matatu (like a Kenyan bus, but more chaotic) and listening to people's problems, Baba was truly one of us.

Raila always strove to fight for the rights of Kenyans, and he did succeed in many ways. Kenya now has a multiparty system. Raila played a key role in putting together the 2010 reform of the Constitution of Kenya, which decentralised governmental power and gave Kenyan counties a voice in the political sphere. Many of the freedoms and infrastructure that Kenyans enjoy today are thanks to the efforts of Raila.

Despite seeing Raila lose the elections in 2013, 2017 and 2022, I consider him to be the 'people's' President of Kenya. As we mourn his passing, let's celebrate his life and achievements as well. The best way we can honour Baba is to carry on his legacy in our lives wherever we can. Let's fight for what's right, no matter what obstacles stand in our way. Let's care about those in need. Let us never give up.

Rest in Peace, Baba.