Raila Odinga Biography
Raila Amolo Odinga is a Kenyan politician, businessman, and former Prime Minister of Kenya. He has played a major role in Kenya’s political landscape, advocating for democracy, governance reforms, and economic development.
Early Life & Education
Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kenya Colony.
Son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President.
Studied mechanical engineering in East Germany, earning a master’s degree in 1970.
Returned to Kenya and became a lecturer at the University of Nairobi before entering business and politics.
Political Career & Leadership
Prime Minister of Kenya (2008–2013) – Served in a power-sharing government following the 2007 presidential election crisis.
Leader of Opposition (2013–Present) – Continues to be a key opposition figure, advocating for electoral reforms and governance.
Presidential Candidate – Ran for President of Kenya five times but was unsuccessful in each attempt, often alleging electoral fraud.
African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development (2018–2023) – Worked on regional infrastructure projects.
Founder of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) – A major political party in Kenya.
Controversies & Challenges
Imprisonment (1982–1988) – Accused of plotting against President Daniel arap Moi, leading to six years of detention without trial.
Election Disputes – His presidential losses in 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 led to legal battles and protests.
African Union Commission Chairperson Bid (2024) – Announced his candidacy but lost in the 2025 election.
Personal Life
Married to Ida Odinga since 1973.
Has four children, including Rosemary and Winnie Odinga.
His brother, Oburu Odinga, is also a politician.
Raila Odinga remains a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, shaping policy discussions and governance reforms.
Raila Odinga Age
Raila Odinga was born on January 7, 1945, making him 80 years old as of 2025.
Raila Odinga Education
Raila Odinga has a strong educational background in mechanical engineering, which played a role in his early career before he transitioned into politics.
Educational Background
Primary & Secondary Education – Attended Kisumu Union Primary School and later Maranda School, but left in 1962.
Higher Education in Germany – Enrolled at the Herder Institution before receiving a scholarship to study in East Germany.
University Studies – Studied mechanical engineering at the Technical School, Magdeburg, now known as Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg.
Graduation – Earned a diploma in Production Engineering in 1970.
After completing his studies, Raila Odinga returned to Kenya and worked as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, before moving into business and politics.
Raila Odinga Religion
Raila Odinga is a Christian, but he has also expressed deep knowledge and respect for Islam. He has stated that he grew up among Muslims and even attended prayers at the mosque as a young boy.
Despite being a practicing Christian, he has emphasized that Islam and Christianity share similar teachings, such as love, respect, and honesty. His inclusive approach to religion has helped him connect with diverse communities in Kenya.
Raila Odinga Net Worth
Raila Odinga’s net worth is estimated to be around $250 million. He is one of the wealthiest politicians in Kenya, with investments in business, real estate, and energy.
Sources of Wealth
Business Ventures – He has interests in oil and gas, including ownership in East African Spectre Limited, a company specializing in gas cylinder manufacturing.
Political Influence – His long-standing role in Kenyan politics has contributed to his financial success.
Real Estate Holdings – He owns multiple properties across Kenya, including luxury residences and commercial buildings.
Raila Odinga remains a prominent figure in Kenya, shaping policy discussions and governance reforms.
Raila Odinga Wife
Raila Odinga is married to Ida Odinga, a Kenyan businesswoman, activist, and educator. She has played a significant role in championing women’s rights in Kenya for over two decades.
Early Life & Education
Born Ida Anyango Oyoo on August 24, 1950, in Migori, Kenya.
Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nairobi in 1973.
Met Raila Odinga while he was working at the University of Nairobi’s Department of Engineering.
Marriage & Family
- Married Raila Odinga on September 1, 1973.
- The couple has four children: Fidel Odinga (deceased), Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Jr., and Winnie Odinga.
Career & Achievements
Worked as a teacher for over 20 years, teaching at The Kenya High School.
Founded the League of Kenya Women Voters in 1991, promoting women’s political participation.
Advocated for breast cancer awareness, fistula prevention, and women’s health.
Became the Managing Director of East African Spectre, a liquefied gas cylinder manufacturing company, in 2003.
Recognized as one of Kenya’s most powerful women
Raila Odinga Children
Raila Odinga and his wife, Ida Odinga, have four children: Fidel Odinga (deceased), Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Jr., and Winnie Odinga.
1. Fidel Odinga (1973–2015)
Named after Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro.
Studied Business Management and Marketing at South Eastern University in Washington, USA.
Was involved in business and politics, showing interest in running for office.
Passed away in January 2015 under unclear circumstances.
2. Rosemary Odinga
An entrepreneur and advocate for social equality.
Reportedly the only snail farmer in East Africa.
Holds a Sociology degree from Howard University and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Dallas.
3. Raila Odinga Jr.
A businessman with interests in various sectors.
Graduated from the University of Wales in 2002 with a degree in Business Administration.
Later earned an MSc in Finance from the University of Leeds.
Married to Yvonne Kibukosya, with whom he has two daughters.
4. Winnie Odinga
Named after South African anti-apartheid activist Winnie Mandela.
Born in 1990, making her 35 years old as of 2025.
Holds a degree in International Business and Corporate Communication from the University of Philadelphia.
The Odinga children have pursued different careers, but they remain influential figures in business and politics.
Raila Odinga Social Media Followers
Raila Odinga has a strong social media presence, particularly on Twitter/X, where he engages with supporters and shares political updates.
Social Media Following
Twitter/X: He has approximately 3.4 million followers, making him one of the most followed Kenyan politicians.
Facebook & Instagram: While exact numbers are not publicly available, he has a large following across multiple platforms, where he shares campaign updates, governance discussions, and personal insights.
Raila Odinga continues to use social media as a tool for political engagement, connecting with supporters and the public.
Raila Odinga Achievement
Raila Odinga has had a remarkable political career, shaping Kenya’s democracy, governance, and infrastructure development. His contributions span leadership roles, policy reforms, and advocacy for social justice.
Major Achievements
Prime Minister of Kenya (2008–2013) – Served in a power-sharing government following the 2007 presidential election crisis.
Leader of Opposition (2013–Present) – Continues to be a key opposition figure, advocating for electoral reforms and governance.
Struggle for Democracy – Played a critical role in Kenya’s transition to multiparty democracy, challenging one-party rule in the 1990s.
Infrastructure Development – As Minister for Roads, Public Works, and Housing, he initiated major road projects, including the dualling of Langata Road and the Mbagathi Way concrete paving.
Slum Upgrading & Social Welfare – Led efforts to improve housing in Kibera, launching the Kibra Highrise slum-upgrading program and establishing health facilities.
Energy Sector Reforms – As Minister for Energy, he oversaw policy changes that strengthened Kenya’s energy sector.
African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development (2018–2023) – Worked on regional infrastructure projects, enhancing connectivity across Africa.
Raila Odinga remains a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, shaping policy discussions and governance reforms.
