Raila Odinga Biography
Raila Odinga was a major force in Kenyan politics for many years. He was born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu County, Kenya. He passed away on October 15, 2025, in Kerala, India. Odinga served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. He ran for president five times but did not win. People called him “Baba,” which means father, because he was like a leader to many. His work helped bring multi party democracy to Kenya. He fought against unfair rule and pushed for better governance. This biography looks at his life to teach about his role in shaping Kenya. It covers his early days, education, work, family, death, and more. Readers can learn how one person can change a country through hard work and belief in justice. His story shows resilience in facing challenges like detentions and election losses. Odinga also tried to become the African Union Commission chairperson in 2025 but lost. His legacy lives on in Kenya’s political system.
Odinga came from a family with deep ties to Kenya’s independence. His father was the first vice president. This background set him on a path to politics. But he started as an engineer and businessman. Later, he became a voice for change. In 2007, a disputed election led to violence, and he helped form a coalition government. As Prime Minister, he worked on infrastructure and the new constitution in 2010. His efforts made Kenya more democratic. Even after retiring from local politics, he aimed for African leadership. This introduction gives a quick view of his life. The next parts go deeper into each stage.
Early Life and Family Background
Raila Amolo Odinga grew up in a family that played a big role in Kenya’s history. He was born in Maseno, a town in Kisumu County, on January 7, 1945. His father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was a key leader in the fight for Kenya’s freedom from British rule. Jaramogi became the first vice president of independent Kenya in 1963. But he later disagreed with President Jomo Kenyatta and left the government in 1966. This taught young Raila about standing up for beliefs.
His mother was Mary Ajuma Odinga, also known as Mary Juma. She supported the family during tough times. Raila was of Luo ethnicity, one of Kenya’s main groups. The Luo people live mostly in western Kenya near Lake Victoria. Ethnic ties often matter in Kenyan politics, and Raila’s background helped him connect with many supporters.
Raila had siblings, including brothers and sisters. His family faced hardships because of his father’s opposition role. Jaramogi was put under house arrest in 1969. This showed Raila the risks of challenging power. Growing up, Raila saw how politics affected daily life. His home was a place where leaders discussed Kenya’s future. This early exposure sparked his interest in public service.
As a child, Raila lived in Kisumu, a busy city. He learned Luo traditions and values like community and hard work. His father’s fallout with the government meant the family sometimes struggled financially. But they stayed strong. Raila’s early life built his character. He became known for being tough and determined. This foundation helped him later in business and politics.
In short, Raila’s family background gave him a strong start. It linked him to Kenya’s independence heroes and taught him about justice.
Education
Raila Odinga’s education took him from local schools in Kenya to studies abroad. He started at Kisumu Union Primary School in the 1950s. This was a basic school where he learned reading, writing, and math. Then, he went to Maranda Primary School and later Maranda High School for secondary education. He attended Maranda until around 1962 but did not finish there. Instead, he got a chance to study overseas.
In 1962, Raila moved to East Germany on a scholarship. East Germany was part of the communist bloc then. He first studied at the Herder Institute in Leipzig to learn German. This helped him adjust to the new country. After that, he joined the Technical School in Magdeburg, now called Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. He focused on mechanical engineering.
Raila earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1970. His studies included welding and how to build machines. Living in East Germany during the Cold War exposed him to different ideas. He saw how planned economies worked. This time away from Kenya also kept him safe from some political troubles at home.
Back in Kenya, Raila used his education well. He became a lecturer at the University of Nairobi in the 1970s. He taught engineering students about mechanics and design. He also took courses at the British Standards Institution in London and the National Bureau of Standards in the US. These added to his skills.
His technical background helped in his later career. As a politician, he pushed for better roads and energy projects. Education gave him tools to solve real problems. It showed him the value of knowledge in building a nation.
Career
Raila Odinga’s career mixed business, engineering, and politics. He started in the professional world after returning from Germany in 1970. He worked as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi. There, he shared his knowledge of mechanical engineering with students. This job let him influence young minds.
In 1971, he joined the Kenya Bureau of Standards as a group standards manager. He helped set rules for products to ensure quality. This role used his engineering skills. Then, in 1974, he founded East African Spectre Limited. This company made gas cylinders for storing fuels. It grew into a successful business and created jobs. Raila’s net worth came partly from this venture. He showed he could run a company well.
Politics called him in the 1980s. Kenya was under one party rule by President Daniel arap Moi. Raila opposed this. In 1982, he was accused of helping plan a coup against Moi. He was arrested and detained without trial for six years, from 1982 to 1988. He faced more detentions in 1988 and 1991. These times were hard, but he stayed committed to change.
Released in 1991, he joined the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy, or FORD. This group pushed for multi party elections. In 1992, Raila won a seat as Member of Parliament for Lang’ata in Nairobi. He held this seat for many years. In 1994, he formed the National Development Party, NDP. He ran for president in 1997 under NDP and came third.
In 2001, NDP merged with Moi’s party, KANU. Raila became Minister of Energy. But he left in 2002 when Moi picked Uhuru Kenyatta as successor. Raila formed the Liberal Democratic Party, LDP. In 2002 elections, he supported Mwai Kibaki, who won. Raila became Minister of Roads, Public Works, and Housing from 2003 to 2005.
He helped create the Orange Democratic Movement, ODM, in 2005. In 2007, he ran for president against Kibaki. The results were disputed, leading to violence that killed over 1,200 people. To stop the crisis, they formed a coalition. Raila became Prime Minister on April 17, 2008. He served until 2013. As Prime Minister, he oversaw infrastructure like roads and power plants. He also helped pass the 2010 Constitution, which brought devolution and better rights.
After 2013, Raila led the opposition. He ran for president in 2013 against Uhuru Kenyatta and lost. In 2017, he challenged the results. The Supreme Court annulled the election, a first in Africa. But he boycotted the repeat vote and lost. In 2018, he and Uhuru made a “handshake” for peace. This led to the Building Bridges Initiative, BBI, for reforms. Courts blocked parts of it.
In 2022, Raila ran again under Azimio la Umoja coalition. He lost to William Ruto. He called for protests over cost of living in 2023. Later, he focused on Africa wide roles. In 2024, he bid for African Union Commission chairperson but withdrew or lost in 2025.
Throughout his career, Raila fought for democracy. He faced criticisms for ethnic politics but gained praise for resilience. His work improved Kenya’s systems.
Personal Life
Raila Odinga’s personal life centered on his family. He married Ida Betty Odinga on September 1, 1973. Ida, born Ida Anyango Oyoo in 1950, was a teacher. They met while Raila taught at the University of Nairobi. Ida supported him through detentions and campaigns. She became active in women’s rights and education.
They had four children. The eldest, Fidel Castro Odinga, was born in 1973. He entered politics but died on January 4, 2015, at age 41. His death was a big loss. Rosemary Odinga, born in 1977, worked in business and politics. She faced health issues like vision loss but stayed strong. Raila Odinga Junior, born in 1979, is involved in family businesses. Winnie Odinga, born in 1990, is a politician. She serves in the East African Legislative Assembly.
The family lived in Nairobi’s Karen area and had a home in Kisumu. Raila enjoyed soccer and supported Gor Mahia club. He wrote a book, “The Flame of Freedom,” in 2013, sharing his story. His Luo heritage influenced his life, including traditions.
Despite busy politics, Raila valued family time. His children continued his legacy in public service.
Cause of Death
Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, at age 80. He was in Kerala, India, for medical treatment. He had gone there for Ayurvedic care at Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Hospital or Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam near Kochi.
That morning, he collapsed during a walk. Doctors said he had a cardiac arrest, or heart attack. They tried to revive him but could not. The hospital confirmed his death soon after.
Kenya declared national mourning. President William Ruto spoke about it. Many leaders paid tribute. His body was flown back for a state funeral.
Odinga’s health had been an issue before, but details were private. His death marked the end of an era.
Conclusion
Raila Odinga’s life was full of service to Kenya. From his birth in 1945 to his death in 2025, he worked for better governance. He started as an engineer and became a political giant. His fights for democracy changed Kenya. The 2010 Constitution and multi party system owe much to him.
Though he never became president, his impact was huge. He united people and pushed for reforms. His family carries on his work. Kenya is stronger because of him.
FAQs
Here are common questions about Raila Odinga.
How old was Raila Odinga when he died?
He was 80 years old, born January 7, 1945, died October 15, 2025.
Who was Raila Odinga’s wife?
His wife was Ida Betty Odinga, married in 1973.
What tribe was Raila Odinga?
He was from the Luo ethnic group.
What was Raila Odinga known for?
He was known as an opposition leader, Prime Minister, and advocate for democracy in Kenya.
Where did Raila Odinga study?
He studied mechanical engineering in East Germany, earning a master’s in 1970.
How did Raila Odinga die?
He died of a heart attack in Kerala, India, on October 15, 2025.
Who were Raila Odinga’s children?
Fidel (deceased), Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie.
What was Raila Odinga’s political party?
He led the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Did Raila Odinga win any elections?
He won as MP multiple times and served as Prime Minister, but lost presidential bids.
What books did Raila Odinga write?
He wrote “The Flame of Freedom” in 2013.