Raila Odinga’s legacy is massive. Few Kenyan politicians have shaped national identity, political culture, and public expectations quite like him. He has been opposition leader, peace negotiator, advocate for constitutional reform, and occasionally a bridge between political divides. Over decades, his story has included victories, heartbreaks, controversy, and resilience. To understand where Kenya is headed, you must understand Raila Odinga’s legacy.
Early Struggles and Defining Moments
He didn’t start with power. Raila emerged in the political limelight when opposition to single‐party rule was dangerous. His father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, left a legacy of dissent; Raila picked up the torch. Detention, bans, political marginalization followed. The fight for multiparty democracy — which culminated in the repeal of Section 2A in 1991 — was one of his first major wins. (africanavoice.com)
He became Prime Minister in the 2008 National Unity Government after the turmoil of the 2007 elections. That era birthed the push for a new constitution. The 2010 Constitution, which expanded rights, devolved power to counties, and reformed institutions, is part of his deepest imprint. (K24 Digital)
Recent Moves: Alliance and Influence
In 2025, Raila Odinga has shifted roles—less of a pure opposition voice, more of a negotiator and alliance partner. He signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with President William Ruto, committing ODM and UDA to jointly address issues like youth unemployment, implementation of the NADCO report, devolution funding, and governance reforms. (The Star)
His influence is rising behind the scenes. Even without a formal executive role, he has convened party leaders, urged more county allocation (Ksh 450 billion for counties in 2025/26), and played part in shaping national dialogues. (Kenyans)
The Tightrope: Support to 2027 and Beyond
Raila has been clear: his support for Ruto’s administration is not indefinite. He says it lasts until 2027. Beyond that, political alliances will be reconsidered. (The Star)
He confirms ODM will challenge the presidency in 2027, and that his party will field a candidate. But he frames his current role as stabilizing, trying to avert worse outcomes given protests, cost of living, and governance concerns. (Nairobi Wire)
Strengths, Criticisms, and What People Say
Strengths:
- Deep popular base in regions like Nyanza, Coast, and in parts of Nairobi. (TRT Afrika)
- A symbol of resistance, especially during eras of repression.
- Ability to leverage political pacts to push reforms — MoU, discussions around constitutional amendments.
- Role in national peace, devolution, pushing for inclusion and accountability.
Criticisms:
- Some accuse him of too many handshakes: shifting from opposition to cooperation with government elites, which some supporters see as compromising principles. (The Star)
- Questions of whether informal influence (without formal power) allows enough accountability.
- Some feel promises like reducing cost of living or delivering constitutional ideals lag behind rhetoric.
What the Future Holds
Raila’s next moves are being watched closely. A few possible directions:
- He could formally position himself as a contender for presidency in 2027.
- He may shift more into a senior statesman role — mentoring younger politicians, influencing policy without holding office.
- His legacy of reforms (constitution, devolution, democratic norms) may be further tested as Kenya grapples with economic hardship, generational demands, and youthful protests.
- There might be internal party struggles in ODM around leadership and succession, especially if 2027 gives him a chance to step aside or endorse someone.
Why His Story Matters Beyond 2027
- Because Raila’s life is a map of Kenya’s democratic evolution: from single-party rule to multiparty, from centralized power to devolution, from electoral crisis to constitutional reforms.
- Because many citizens see him as a lens through which to measure whether reforms have really transformed life — access to justice, diminished corruption, accountable government.
- Because his approach to politics — negotiation, resistance, patience — offers lessons for any democracy balancing competing demands, ethnic tensions, and economic expectations.
The Bottom Line
Raila Odinga’s legacy is not perfectly clean. There are contradictions. Deals made under pressure. Criticisms from those who fear he compromised too much. But it’s powerful. It’s lasting.
When people look back in decades — whether history judges him kindly or not — they will see someone who refused to stay silent, who kept pushing for change, who understood politics not just as winning elections but shaping the rules by which Kenya lives.
His journey teaches that power is complicated. Influence doesn’t always look like headlines. Sometimes it looks like MoUs, committee leadership, consultations, the quiet insistence that democracy must mean something.
Raila Odinga’s legacy: not just of where Kenya has been, but a reminder of what still must be done.