To honour Raila, we must defend human rights, uphold rule of law

Described by his old friend Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o as “the return of the lion to the mountain,” Raila Amolo Odinga’s death has left Kenya transfixed and in deep reflection. While most attention has focused on his political choices and legacy, his lifelong commitment to human rights deserves equal recognition.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Raila Odinga joined a small, yet dedicated network of courageous activists committed to restoring multi-party democracy, constitutional reforms that would bring to an end oppressive laws restricting civic freedoms for millions. For these conscious choices, he directly experienced several significant human rights violations.