Raila Amollo Odinga is a Kenyan leader and politician who was born in January 1945. His political career has not been a walk in the park because the leader had to endure a lot of harsh treatment in his desire to fight for the democracy of Kenya. Raila is a noble and loving politician who commands a heavy following especially in the western part of Kenya. Popularly known as Agwambo, his highest position in office was when he was appointed as the prime minister.
Here are some facts about Raila.
1. Prime minister of the Republic of KenyaFollowing the controversial election in 2007, had to form a coalition government with president Mwai Kibaki, a move that ended the post-election violence that had divided the country right in the middle. Mr. Odinga later assumed office as the second in command in April 2008.2. He is the son of the first vice president of KenyaDespite commanding a huge following in Kenya, many of his fans do not know that Raila’s father was the first vice president of Kenya. His father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was one of the pioneer politicians that participated in the liberation of Kenya from the British leadership. His brave struggle saw him raise two sons, Raila and Oburu, who would later become renowned leaders in the history of Kenyan politics.
3. Raila was an MP the same time as his fatherBoth Raila Odinga and his father were members of parliament at the same time. As father and son, the duo served as MPs between 1992 and 1994. This is a very rare occasion that the Kenya parliament has never witnessed. Raila has also been in the Kenya parliament together with his brother Oburu Odinga at the same time.
4. He has contested the presidency 4 timesIf there is a president Kenya never had, it is Raila Amolo Odinga. He made his first attempt in 1997 but only emerged the third after the then president Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi. In 2007, Raila made his second attempt for the presidency through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket. This time he emerged second after Mwai Kibaki . In 2013 general election, Raila emerged second in an election that was marked with controversy. The recent general election on August 8 ,2017, Raila again emerged second after Uhuru Kenyatta but successfully petitioned Uhuru’s win that saw the presidential election nullified.5. Has been in numerous political partiesIf the facts are examined, Raila is one of the Kenyan politicians who have been in different political parties. He has been a member of National Development Party (NDP), KANU, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and now ODM. His were calculated strategies aimed at forming a strong opposition to remove the past incumbent presidents.
6. Raila is an Alumni of Maranda high schoolHaving been born in Maseno, Raila Odinga attended both Maranda primary school and Maranda secondary school. He finished his secondary education in 1962.
7. Raila is a qualified mechanical engineerHe is known as Engineer Raila Amolo Odinga and this is evident when you trace his academic road. Upon completing secondary education from Maranda, Raila progressed to Leipzig University in Germany. However, it was at Magdeburg technical school that Raila Odinga started his mechanical engineering career. He graduated in the year 1970 with a master’s of science in mechanical engineering.
8. Raila was once a detaineeHe was under house arrest for 76 months after being linked with a failed coup attempt. This was one of the darkest days in Kenya In 1982 as many civilians lost their lives. He was later to be charged with treason, a move that saw him spend six years in jail.
10. He is a footballerRaila was once a midfielder for Luo union football club, which is now popularly known as Gor Mahia. This is the reason why the politician has a keen interest in the events of Kenya football and hardly misses any major soccer match that involves the Harambee Stars of Kenya. Most Kenyans recognize him as one of the die-hard fans of Arsenal Football club.