Raila controversial moments in Kenyan politics

Raila Odinga: A Life of Controversy and Reform in Kenyan Politics
Raila Odinga’s political journey mirrored Kenya’s turbulent path toward democracy, marked by both controversy and reformist zeal. Early in his career, Raila faced accusations of involvement in the failed 1982 coup against President Daniel arap Moi, leading to years of detention. Yet, despite these early challenges, he emerged as a formidable reformist voice, championing political change and human rights.
In 2002, Raila played a pivotal role in ending KANU’s four-decade rule with his Kibaki Tosha campaign, uniting opposition forces behind Mwai Kibaki. Three years later, he led the No campaign during the 2005 constitutional referendum, consolidating his reputation as a political strategist and a defender of constitutionalism. Raila’s ambitions continued to shape national politics when he claimed victory in the disputed 2007 presidential election, an event that triggered widespread post-election violence and altered Kenya’s political trajectory.
Raila’s influence was further felt during the drafting of the 2010 Constitution, which he championed as a milestone in Kenya’s democratic evolution. In subsequent years, he adopted bold political stances, including boycotting the 2017 election rerun and declaring himself the People’s President. His willingness to challenge established systems continued after 2018, when the Handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta produced the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a constitutional proposal later nullified by the courts.
Even after his defeat in the 2022 election, Raila remained active in public life, leading protests between 2023 and 2024 to address economic hardships and perceived electoral injustices. His passing in India while undergoing medical treatment on October 15, 2025, closed a chapter on a political life defined by resilience, strategic maneuvering, and an enduring commitment to reform. Raila’s legacy will remain a defining reference point in Kenya’s modern political history, both for his achievements and the controversies that accompanied his decades-long career.