Raila's mixed signals on 2027 confound allies and foes alike

Raila Odinga. (Courtesy)

No one has encapsulated Raila Odinga's complex persona better than Badejo Babafemi in Raila Odinga: An Enigma in Kenyan Politics. Indeed, Raila's latest moves highlight his status as an unpredictable figure in Kenya's political theatre. Following his narrow loss to President William Ruto in the August 2022 elections, Raila has oscillated between opposition and collaboration, leaving pundits and citizens equally perplexed.

After the election, Kenyans pressured Raila to lead demonstrations against skyrocketing living costs. Dubbed the "sufuria revolution," these protests turned violent, with casualties reported due to police intervention. However, the demonstrations faced backlash from business groups such as the Gikuyu, Embu, and Meru Association (GEMA), who criticised them as detrimental to commerce. Raila eventually called off the protests, advocating instead for a national committee to address citizens' concerns, including unemployment, high taxes, and corruption.