Raila Odinga’s Sister Reveals He Was Writing a Book on Pan-Africanism Before His Death

Raila Odinga’s Sister Reveals He Was Writing a Book on Pan-Africanism Before His Death

The late Raila Odinga was not only a political icon but also a visionary thinker who dreamed of a united Africa.

On Sunday, his sister Emily Oginga revealed that the former Prime Minister was quietly working on his third biography, focused entirely on Pan-Africanism, before his untimely death.

Speaking during the funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya County, Emily described the project as Raila’s final gift to Africa.

“Raila’s last political project, which he did quietly days before his death, was a third biography dedicated purely to African Pan-Africanism and what the continent needs to do to move forward,” she said.

Her revelation drew a mix of silence and admiration from mourners, who listened intently to the story of a leader whose passion for African liberation never waned.

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A Vision Beyond Politics

According to Emily, Raila envisioned the book as a roadmap for Africa’s political and economic independence, free from Western control.

“He wanted to document his experiences, lessons, and vision for Africa’s freedom,” she explained.
“He believed the continent must rise by empowering its people and uniting its economies.”

Although Emily did not reveal what would become of the unfinished manuscript, she hinted that it captured some of Raila’s deepest reflections on governance, justice, and African identity.

Those who knew him well described Raila as a man who constantly wrote notes, recorded ideas, and revised drafts late into the night.

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The Making of a Thinker and Writer

This was not Raila’s first literary venture. His 2013 autobiography, “The Flame of Freedom,” co-authored with Sarah Elderkin, remains one of Kenya’s most celebrated political memoirs.

The book chronicled his fight for democracy, his years in detention, and his hopes for a just nation. It inspired many young Kenyans who viewed him not only as a politician but as a freedom fighter who wrote his truth.

Before that, Nigerian scholar Babafemi Badejo had documented Raila’s political life in “Raila Odinga: An Enigma in Kenyan Politics” (1991). The book explored his early influence, imprisonment, and resilience during the one-party era.

Through words and actions, Raila built a legacy that continues to shape Kenya’s democratic story.

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A Legacy That Lives On

As the funeral drew to a close, the mood was both heavy and hopeful. Mourners whispered that perhaps, in time, the family would publish Raila’s unfinished manuscript as a lasting tribute to his Pan-African dream.

Raila will be laid to rest at his father’s home in Kang’o Kajaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, in a private ceremony led by the Anglican Church of Kenya.

“He lived for Africa,” Emily said softly as she concluded her speech.
“Even in death, he still speaks to us about unity, dignity, and the future of our continent.”

Her words left the crowd in tears — a reminder that Raila Odinga’s story is far from over. His pen, though stilled, continues to inspire a continent.

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Raila Odinga’s Sister Reveals He Was Writing a Book on Pan-Africanism Before His Death