But by the late 1980s, he found himself on a collision course with the state. On July 4, 1990, at just 45 years old, Raila was arrested under President Daniel arap Moi’s regime. He was accused of involvement in the 1982 coup attempt — a charge he never admitted to.
The government used harsh security laws that allowed indefinite detention without trial. Raila was locked away for years in solitary confinement, far from family and sunlight.
After years of pressure, demonstrations, and arrests, Kenya finally opened its political space in 1992. Raila’s name became synonymous with freedom.
He quickly rose to prominence, mobilizing the youth and the poor. His fiery speeches and grassroots mobilization terrified the ruling elite. Everywhere he went, crowds chanted one word — “Agwambo” — meaning “the mysterious one.”
But soon after, cracks appeared. Disagreements over power-sharing and reforms tested the new alliance.
Birth of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
In 2005, Raila spearheaded opposition to a proposed new constitution that many felt gave excessive powers to the presidency. His faction adopted the orange as their symbol — and thus, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was born.
“Kenya belongs to all of us, not just a few at the top.”
His words resonated deeply in slums, villages, and towns where many felt excluded from power.
The 2007 Post-Election Crisis
The 2007 General Election became one of Kenya’s darkest moments. Raila ran against incumbent President Mwai Kibaki in a fiercely contested race.
When Kibaki was hurriedly sworn in amid claims of vote-rigging, chaos erupted. Protests turned violent. More than 1,000 people died, and hundreds of thousands were displaced.
Former President, Mwai Kibaki, and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, shake hands as a sign of peace in January 2008 leading to the formation of the Grand Coalition Government. Looking on is former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan (right), and former Gichugu MP, Martha Karua (back).
Despite his anger, Raila chose peace over vengeance. He entered negotiations with Kibaki — talks mediated by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
After the election, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared Uhuru Kenyatta the winner. Raila rejected the results, claiming massive irregularities.
He filed a petition at the Supreme Court, demanding justice. But the court upheld Uhuru’s victory.
Raila accepted the verdict but remained defiant.
“The journey is long,” he told his supporters, “but we will never give up.”
The 2017 Elections and the Handshake
The 2017 General Elections brought more political tension. Raila, now leading the National Super Alliance (NASA), faced Uhuru again.
Presidential candidates during the 2013 presidential debate hosted at Brookhouse in Nairobi
When IEBC declared Uhuru the winner, Raila took to the Supreme Court — and made history. For the first time in Africa, the court nullified a presidential election, citing irregularities.
But Raila boycotted the repeat election, arguing that no meaningful reforms had been implemented. The country braced for chaos.
Then came the unexpected — the 2018 Handshake. Raila and President Kenyatta shocked the world when they appeared together at the steps of Harambee House.
He said that day,
A photo of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Azimio chief Raila Odinga during their handshake on March 9, 2018.
“My brother and I have decided to end our differences. The time has come to build bridges.”
The handshake calmed a tense nation and ushered in political stability. It also birthed the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) — a joint push for constitutional reform, though it later faced legal setbacks.
The 2022 Elections: Fifth Bid, Same Fire
In 2022, at the age of 77, Raila made his fifth presidential bid — this time under the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition. His main rival was Deputy President William Ruto.
The campaign was fierce, emotional, and full of history. When IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati announced Ruto as the winner, Raila once again rejected the results.
He moved to the Supreme Court, alleging widespread irregularities. The court upheld Ruto’s win.
President William Ruto (left) sharing a light moment with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (right) during the funeral of Mama Phoebe Asiyo in Wikondiek, Homa Bay County on Friday, August 8, 2025.
Disappointed but composed, Raila addressed his supporters, saying,
“This is not the end. The struggle continues. We remain committed to justice and democracy.”
The 2025 Unity Deal
In March 2025, a new chapter unfolded. Raila Odinga and President William Ruto signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their parties — ODM and UDA.
The deal aimed to unite the country and foster a broad-based government after years of political division.
Some described it as another “handshake.” But both leaders clarified it was not a merger or coalition. Instead, it was a framework for national dialogue, peace, and shared development.
Speaking at State House, Raila declared,
“Kenya is bigger than our differences. Let us join hands for the good of our people.”
Ruto echoed,
“This is not about politics. It is about unity, prosperity, and healing our nation.”
Across decades, Raila Odinga remained a man both loved and criticized — but never ignored. He inspired millions to believe in the power of change.
His name became a movement — a story of endurance, courage, and unyielding hope. From the dark cells of detention to the heights of power, Raila never abandoned his dream of a fair Kenya.
He often reminded Kenyans:
“Democracy is not given; it is fought for. It lives in those who never surrender.”
An image of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga
Today, as the nation reflects on his monumental journey, one truth stands clear — Raila Odinga did not just participate in Kenyan politics; he shaped it.
His life remains a powerful reminder that even in defeat, there can be dignity. And in struggle, there can be greatness.
