Why Raila, our most criticised politician, was a superman

Raila Odinga Junior during the State Funeral Service for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi, October 17, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Superman. That is what Raila Amolo Odinga was. As we come to terms with the reality that the great mover of Kenya’s political space is no longer with us, we should pause and think about the life of a man who was arguably the most criticised, misunderstood, and yet profoundly influential politician of our time. Though about half the nation stood with him at any given moment, the contested presidential elections that defined his political journey often unfolded in a climate where both local and international powers viewed his possible presidency with apprehension. This complex interplay of forces perhaps explains why his political destiny repeatedly met resistance despite his immense national following.