1945–1969 — Family, Youth & Education
Born in Maseno, Raila was raised in a family already prominent in Kenyan politics: his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, became Kenya’s first Vice-President and later a leading opposition figure. Raila attended local schools before being sent to East Germany for further technical and language training — an experience that shaped his worldview, technical skills and networks. After returning to Kenya, he worked in business and the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
1970s — Business & Civil Service
Odinga founded engineering and manufacturing ventures and rose through the Kenya Bureau of Standards. His business activity included East African Spectre (cylinder manufacturing) and other enterprises. His time in civil service gave him administrative experience, but his political lineage eventually pulled him back into politics.
1982 — Detention
In the aftermath of a failed 1982 coup attempt in Kenya, the government detained many opposition figures. Odinga was arrested and spent several years detained without trial; these events hardened his commitment to opposition politics and to the struggle for multiparty democracy.
1990s — Return to Electoral Politics
After the return of multiparty politics, Odinga entered electoral politics and was elected to Parliament in the early 1990s, representing Langata for many years. He built a national movement and became the face of organized opposition to the ruling parties of the 1990s and early 2000s.
2007–2008 — The Contested Election & National Accord
Odinga contested the 2007 presidential election. The disputed result led to nationwide violence and displacement. International mediation produced the National Accord, a power-sharing deal that made Odinga Prime Minister in a coalition government — a role that involved national healing and negotiating the path to major constitutional reform.
2008–2013 — Prime Ministership & the 2010 Constitution
During the coalition government Odinga served as Prime Minister and worked with partners to implement reforms. A central achievement of this era was the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, which introduced devolution, an expanded bill of rights, reforms to the judiciary and checks on executive power.
2013–2025 — Continued Campaigns, Mediation & Final Years
Odinga ran for president several more times and remained a dominant opposition figure. He was often engaged in national dialogues, regional mediation roles, and large-scale civic mobilization. In 2025, Odinga died while receiving medical care abroad; his death prompted national mourning and a state funeral.
