Raila Odinga was born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu County.
He was the second son of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and had 8 siblings.
Raila Odinga attended Maranda High School and later went to East Germany, where he studied at the Technical University of Magdeburg and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1970.
When he returned to Kenya, Raila taught at the University of Nairobi before venturing into business. He founded East African Spectre Limited, a company that manufactures gas cylinders.
Marriage and Children
Raila was married to Dr. Ida Odinga.
They had four children: Fidel (deceased), Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie. He was known for his energy, humor, and close connection with ordinary Kenyans, who called him Agwambo” (Act of God) and “Baba.”
Police said Fidel Castro Odinga, 41, who was seen by political observers as a potential successor to his father, returned home on Saturday night after an evening out drinking with friends and was found dead in his bed on Sunday.
Why Raila Odinga Missed his Mother’s Funeral
Raila joined politics in the 1970s. In 1982, he was accused of being involved in an attempted coup against President Daniel arap Moi’s government. He was detained without trial for six years and released in 1988. Raila Odinga’s mother, Mary Ajuma Odinga, passed away on November 5, 1984, at a time when Raila was detained without trial. He only found out about her death after his release.
In 1989, he was rearrested and held again until 1991. His time in detention made him one of Kenya’s longest-serving political prisoners and a key figure in the fight for multiparty democracy.
Running for Presidency Times
Raila ran for the presidency five times, in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022. In 2007, after a disputed election, he entered a coalition government with President Mwai Kibaki and served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.
In 2018, Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta made peace through the “handshake,” which led to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). The handshake reduced political tension and aimed to bring unity in the country.
After losing the 2022 presidential election, Raila Odinga later joined President William Ruto in what was called a broad-based government. The agreement saw some of Raila’s allies appointed to key government positions.
Raila said the decision was meant to promote national unity after months of protests that had led to the storming of Parliament. Several protesters were killed during clashes with police.
In 2025, the Ruto administration supported Raila’s campaign to become Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Although he received strong backing from several African countries, he lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Death
On October 15, 2025, Raila Odinga collapsed during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic center in Kerala, India, where he was receiving treatment. He was taken to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m. At the time of his death, Raila Odinga was 80 years old.
Raila Odinga’s life reflected courage, resilience, and dedication to Kenya’s political change. He remained one of the most influential figures in the country’s history.
By Vivian K.
what really happened to Rails mother