Raila Odinga’s political life mirrored Kenya’s turbulent quest for democracy.
Linked to the failed 1982 coup attempt against President Moi, he endured years of detention yet emerged as a reform icon.
His “Kibaki Tosha” declaration in 2002 united the opposition, ending KANU’s four-decade rule.
In 2005, he led the “No” campaign against Kibaki’s draft constitution, then claimed victory in the disputed 2007 election.
A champion of the 2010 Constitution, Raila later boycotted the 2017 rerun and declared himself “People’s President.”
The 2018 “Handshake” birthed the BBI, later nullified.
Defeated in 2022, he led 2023–2024 protests against economic hardship and electoral injustice.
