Raila Amolo Odinga (7 January 1945 – 15 October 2025) was one of Kenya’s most influential and respected political figures. He served as the country’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and was the Member of Parliament for Langata Constituency from 1992 to 2013. Odinga was also the leader of the Azimio la Umoja, One Kenya Coalition Party and played a major role in shaping Kenya’s multi-party democracy. He passed away on 15 October 2025 in Kerala, India, at the age of 80, while receiving medical treatment.
Raila Odinga Profile
| Name | Raila Odinga |
| Real Name | Raila Amolo Odinga |
| Date of Birth | 7 January 1945 |
| Date of Death | 15 October 2025 (80 years) |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $50 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Raila Odinga attended Kisumu Union Primary School, Maranda Primary School, and Maranda High School before moving to Germany in 1962. There, he studied at the Herder Institution at the University of Leipzig to learn the German language, and later joined the Technical University of Magdeburg, where he graduated in 1970 with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
While studying in East Germany, Odinga occasionally visited West Berlin through Checkpoint Charlie, often bringing goods unavailable in the East back to his friends, a small act that reflected his generosity and daring nature.
Career
Raila Odinga’s political journey spanned over five decades. He first came to national prominence in the early 1990s during Kenya’s push for multi-party democracy. Elected as the MP for Langata in 1992, he became known for his fearless opposition and commitment to democratic reforms.
He ran for the presidency five times in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, but never won. Each time, Odinga claimed electoral irregularities, which led to major court battles and sometimes political unrest. Despite his losses, he earned immense respect for his persistence and his efforts to strengthen Kenya’s democratic institutions.
In 2008, after a disputed election that led to widespread violence, Odinga became Prime Minister in a coalition government with President Mwai Kibaki, helping to restore peace and stability. In 2024, he sought to become Chairperson of the African Union Commission but lost the election in early 2025 to Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
Controversies
Throughout his career, Raila Odinga was often at the center of Kenya’s political storms. His repeated claims of election fraud created both admiration and criticism. Supporters saw him as a champion of justice, while opponents accused him of stirring unrest.
He was also detained several times during the Moi regime for his pro-democracy activism. Despite these controversies, Odinga remained one of the most trusted political voices in Kenya and across Africa.
Personal Life
Raila Odinga was born on 7 January 1945 at the Anglican Church Missionary Society Hospital in Maseno, Kisumu District, in what was then the Kenya Colony. He was the son of Mary Juma Odinga and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President under President Jomo Kenyatta. Raila Odinga was married to Ida Anyango Oyoo Odinga. The couple lived in Karen, Nairobi, and also had a family home in Siaya County. They had four children, Fidel (1973–2015), Rosemary , Raila Jr. and Winnie.
Odinga was a devout Christian who was baptized in the Anglican Church and later became a born-again believer. Outside politics, he had a deep love for football and once played as a midfielder for Luo Union (now Gor Mahia). He was also a lifelong Arsenal supporter.
Raila Odinga Social Media Handle
https://twitter.com/railaodinga?lang=en
Raila Odinga Net Worth
At the time of his death, Raila Odinga’s net worth was estimated at around $50 million during his lifetime.
Death
Raila Odinga passed away on 15 October 2025 at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in Kerala, India. He collapsed during his morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Koothattukulam, where he was being treated for diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. He was later pronounced dead from cardiac arrest at Devamatha Hospital.
When his body was flown back to Nairobi aboard Kenya Airways flight KQ203, the airline renamed it RAO001 as a special tribute. Thousands of mourners filled Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive his remains, waving flags, singing, and crying. The massive crowd forced airport authorities to suspend operations for two hours. On 17 October 2025, a state funeral was held at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
His widow, Ida Odinga, urged Kenyans to honour his memory by remaining united and truthful, while his daughter Winnie spoke movingly about her father’s legacy of resilience and service. After the national ceremony, Raila Odinga’s body was flown to Kisumu and then taken to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, where he was buried on Sunday, 19 October 2025, according to his wishes to be laid to rest within 72 hours.