Births on January 7

Raila Odinga, Kenyan engineer and politician, 2nd Prime Minister of Kenya

Raila Amolo Odinga: A Leading Figure in Kenyan Politics

Raila Amolo Odinga, born on January 7, 1945, is a prominent Kenyan politician, an experienced businessman, and a persistent presidential aspirant whose influence has profoundly shaped Kenya's political landscape for decades. His illustrious career is marked by significant national roles, including serving as the Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013, a pivotal position established as part of a power-sharing agreement following the tumultuous 2007 general elections. Since 2013, he has been widely recognized as the de facto Leader of the Opposition in Kenya, continuously advocating for democratic reforms, accountability, and good governance.

A Career Defined by Public Service and Legislative Leadership

Odinga's extensive legislative journey began in 1992 when he was first elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Langata Constituency in Nairobi, a seat he held consistently until 2007. During this period, he also served in key ministerial capacities within the Cabinet of Kenya, demonstrating his commitment to national development and policy implementation. His significant appointments included:

• Minister for Energy from 2001 to 2002, where he addressed critical national power needs and policy frameworks.
• Minister for Roads, Public Works and Housing from 2003 to 2005, a portfolio where he championed vital infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and economic growth across the nation.

Beyond national politics, Odinga's expertise gained continental recognition. In 2018, the African Union Commission appointed him as the High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, a crucial role tasking him with promoting and facilitating cross-border infrastructure projects vital for regional integration, trade, and economic prosperity across the continent.

Persistent Presidential Aspirations and Contentious Electoral Battles

Raila Odinga's political narrative is significantly defined by his multiple, often fiercely contested, bids for the presidency, each leaving an indelible mark on Kenya's electoral history:

• 1997 General Elections: His initial presidential attempt saw him finish third, behind the then-incumbent President Daniel arap Moi of KANU and Mwai Kibaki of the Democratic Party (DP). This election was a crucial early indicator of his national political ambition within Kenya's emerging multi-party democracy.
• 2007 General Elections: Running on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, Odinga emerged as the main opposition candidate against incumbent President Mwai Kibaki. He garnered immense public support, sweeping the majority of votes in key populous regions such as Rift Valley, Western, his native Nyanza, and Coast provinces. The Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), the electoral body at the time, ultimately announced a narrow victory for Kibaki by approximately 230,000 votes. Odinga vehemently disputed these results, alleging widespread fraud and manipulation by the election commission.
• 2013 Presidential Election: Five years later, Odinga made another bid for the presidency, this time against Uhuru Kenyatta. He secured a substantial 5,340,546 votes, representing 43.28% of the total votes cast, placing second.
• 2017 Presidential Election: Odinga again contested against Uhuru Kenyatta in August 2017. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) initially declared Kenyatta the winner with 54% of the votes against Odinga's 43%. However, in a landmark and unprecedented ruling on September 1, 2017, the Supreme Court of Kenya annulled these results, citing significant "illegalities and irregularities" that severely undermined the integrity of the election. This historic decision, the first of its kind in Africa, underscored the judiciary's independence. A subsequent fresh election was ordered by the Court, but Odinga ultimately chose to withdraw from the repeat poll on October 10, 2017, citing a lack of substantial reforms necessary to ensure a truly fair and credible process.

The 2007 Post-Election Crisis and its Lasting Impact

The aftermath of the 2007 presidential election plunged Kenya into one of its darkest periods. The contentious official results, declared by the late Samuel Kivuitu, ignited widespread rioting and violent protests across the country, involving supporters of both ODM and PNU. This devastating post-election violence continued for several weeks, tragically resulting in over 1,000 confirmed deaths and the displacement of more than 500,000 people from their homes. Opinion polls leading up to the election had often speculated Odinga would win, though the margin narrowed considerably closer to election day. Independent international observers later affirmed that the poll was indeed marred by irregularities favoring both sides, particularly during the critical vote-tallying stages. The Kriegler Report, an independent commission tasked with investigating the election's integrity, further highlighted serious doubts by identifying approximately 1.2 million dead voters on the register.

This national crisis ultimately necessitated international mediation, spearheaded by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, leading to a historic power-sharing agreement that established the Grand Coalition Government. This arrangement saw Raila Odinga assume the role of Prime Minister, serving alongside President Mwai Kibaki, in an effort to restore peace and stability.

A Champion of Democratization and Constitutional Reform

Alongside his esteemed father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice President and a revered nationalist, Raila Amolo Odinga is widely recognized as one of the principal architects of Kenya's multi-party democratization process. He played a crucial and often perilous role in the struggle against the repressive one-party rule of President Daniel arap Moi (1978–2002), enduring multiple detentions and political persecution for his unwavering activism. His relentless advocacy for constitutional reforms significantly contributed to the adoption of Kenya's transformative 2010 Constitution, a landmark document that re-affirmed numerous fundamental rights and freedoms previously neglected or suppressed, and introduced significant devolution of power.

Popular Appeal, Regional Support, and Endearing Nicknames

Raila Odinga's enduring appeal stems from a complex blend of his lineage, long-standing political activism, and populist charisma. He commands a significant and loyal support base across various regions of Kenya, most notably from the Coastal Region and his native former Nyanza Province (now predominantly the Luo Nyanza counties). This support is often rooted in historical allegiances, shared political ideologies, and his perceived role as a champion of the marginalized and a voice for the voiceless.

He is affectionately and widely known as "Baba" (Kiswahili for 'father'), a testament to his status as a political patriarch and a respected father figure among his followers. Coincidentally, he served as an MP concurrently with his father between 1992 and 1994, symbolizing a continuation of a significant political legacy. Other notable nicknames associated with Odinga, each reflecting aspects of his political persona and history, include:

• "Nyundo" (Kiswahili for 'hammer'), signifying his strength, resilience, and tenacity in political battles.
• "Tinga" (Kiswahili for 'tractor'), which was the enduring symbol of his National Development Party (NDP). This nickname resonated with his populist appeal, symbolizing progress, agricultural strength, and grassroots connection.
• "Agwambo" (Luo for 'the mysterious one' or 'unpredictable man'), reflecting his enigmatic political moves and his consistent ability to surprise both allies and opponents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raila Amolo Odinga

When was Raila Amolo Odinga born?

Raila Amolo Odinga was born on January 7, 1945.

What prominent government positions has Raila Odinga held?

He served as the Prime Minister of Kenya (2008-2013) and as a Cabinet Minister for Energy (2001-2002) and Roads, Public Works and Housing (2003-2005). He was also a Member of Parliament for Langata from 1992 to 2007.

What is Raila Odinga's current international role?

Since 2018, he has served as the African Union Commission's High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, focusing on promoting vital continental infrastructure projects.

Why was the 2017 Kenyan presidential election result annulled?

The Supreme Court of Kenya annulled the 2017 presidential election results due to significant "illegalities and irregularities" found in the electoral process, a historic ruling that necessitated a repeat election.

What are some of Raila Odinga's common nicknames?

He is widely known as "Baba" (father). Other notable nicknames include "Nyundo" (hammer), "Tinga" (tractor), and "Agwambo" (the unpredictable or mysterious one), each reflecting aspects of his political persona and history.