Raila Odinga’s spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, has described working for the
opposition leader as both demanding and fascinating.
Onyango said Raila’s leadership style was unpredictable, with each day
bringing new challenges and surprises.
“Working for Raila was very tough but also very interesting. The most
interesting thing about Raila Odinga was that every day was a new day. There
was nothing like continuing from where we left off. Everything could change within
seconds, and everything was an emergency,” he said.
Despite the unpredictability, Onyango said Raila was a consistent leader who
stood by his word.
“The good thing was that he was consistent. If at the end of the day he told
you that we are going to do this, however difficult that thing was, if you
don’t get any contrary instructions, you are sure you can proceed,” he said.
He added that Raila’s principles on governance and integrity were clear, and
his team often knew what position to take without seeking fresh guidance.
“There are issues where you didn’t even need to get instructions from him.
Issues like corruption, you didn’t have to ask if we condemn or let go. There
are governance issues where he would tell you, ‘You know our position.’ This
made it interesting,” Onyango noted.
Explaining why Raila’s plans often changed, Onyango said the ODM leader
listened to many voices before making final decisions.
“He would listen to many voices on one issue, and that inspired the change of
plan. Raila had no specific advisor and had no specific Personal Assistant,” he
said.
Onyango joked that everyone who worked closely with Raila aged faster than
him due to the intense nature of the job.
“Everyone who worked for Raila ended up growing grey hair before he did. He
was listening to his people, and there are people he could not ignore,” he said.
He recalled that Raila was constantly on his phone, engaging with people and
handling issues personally.
“Raila was permanently on the phone, and we used to joke that should he be taken
to detention again, he would not die of anything but lack of access to a phone.
Raila lived for people. He always had a core idea but always listened to
people,” Onyango said.
The former Prime Minister died in India, where he was undergoing treatment,
on October 15, 2025.
He was then accorded a state funeral with full military honours despite
being a civilian.
The country also observed seven days of national mourning in honour of Raila
and his contribution to the freedoms Kenyans enjoy today.
He was laid to rest at their Kang’o Ka’Jaramogi home in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 19, 2025.
