Raila Amolo Odinga (7 January 1945 – 15 October 2025) was a major figure in Kenyan politics. Born in Maseno to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga (Kenya’s first vice president), Raila studied mechanical engineering in East Germany. His political career spanned decades. He served as MP for Langata from 1992/93 to 2013. From April 2008 to April 2013, he was Prime Minister in a coalition government. Odinga ran for president multiple times (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2022) under various party banners, including ODM, and often challenged election results in Kenya’s courts. He was a strong advocate for constitutional reform, democracy, and anti-corruption. After 2013, he retained political influence as leader of the opposition and as head of ODM until his death. His life was marked by activism, multiple detentions under the Moi regime, and broad influence on Kenya’s political direction. Short bio (two paragraphs): Raila Amolo Odinga was a Kenyan politician and statesman whose career shaped the country’s democratic evolution. Born in 1945 in Maseno to a political family, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering before entering public service and politics. Over decades he challenged authoritarian rule, endured detention and exile, and emerged as a symbolic figure of resistance and reform. Odinga served as Member of Parliament for Langata from the early 1990s until 2013 and held the office of Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 during a national coalition government. A five-time presidential candidate, he spearheaded constitutional reforms, promoted devolution, and remained central to Kenya’s political life as opposition leader. His influence extended well beyond electoral success — he is widely credited with pushing Kenya toward more transparent institutions and a stronger civil society.