Even months after his death, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga continues to dominate public discussion.
Weeks later, he travelled abroad for treatment. On October 15, 2025, Raila Odinga died, triggering national mourning.
His final active months in politics were full of decisions that stirred intense debate, challenged long-held political truths, and reshaped alliances.
Raila began 2025 with a campaign unlike any he had ever taken on—his quest to become Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
Raila began 2025 with a campaign unlike any he had ever taken on—his quest to become Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
The vote stretched through multiple rounds, with Raila initially leading, but eventually stepping aside after failing to secure the required threshold. His withdrawal opened the door for Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
For some Kenyans, this was a dignified decision. For others, it revived the narrative of Raila as a leader who often came close but never crossed the finish line.
For some Kenyans, this was a dignified decision. For others, it revived the narrative of Raila as a leader who often came close but never crossed the finish line.
Upon landing back in Nairobi, his message was short: supporters would “wait for the next step.” No one knew what that would mean, yet the political atmosphere shifted immediately.
Weeks later, Raila and President William Ruto stood side by side at KICC unveiling a cooperation deal between ODM and Kenya Kwanza.
Weeks later, Raila and President William Ruto stood side by side at KICC unveiling a cooperation deal between ODM and Kenya Kwanza.
Ten points were agreed upon, among them implementation of NADCO recommendations.
This event shocked the country, not only because of its content, but because of what it symbolized.
This event shocked the country, not only because of its content, but because of what it symbolized.
After years of fierce political rivalry, Raila appeared to align himself with the very administration he had criticized.
ODM leaders who had publicly confronted the government suddenly stood at the podium endorsing reforms.
Senator Edwin Sifuna, known for his fiery criticism of State House, delivered the agenda in a subdued tone.
Senator Edwin Sifuna, known for his fiery criticism of State House, delivered the agenda in a subdued tone.
To political observers, this was more than a handshake moment—it was a strategic realignment that would later influence the road to 2027.
On Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, Raila made an emotional call for compensation of victims of recent national protests.
On Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, Raila made an emotional call for compensation of victims of recent national protests.
He framed the idea as a form of reconciliation that would allow the country to heal.
While the proposal was well-received in some quarters, many Kenyans felt justice should come before compensation.
While the proposal was well-received in some quarters, many Kenyans felt justice should come before compensation.
The President later established a committee to explore the matter, although divisions within the legal community and political circles slowed its progress.
During the July demonstrations, Raila addressed the nation from a hotel after police blocked major entrances leading to Jacaranda Grounds.
During the July demonstrations, Raila addressed the nation from a hotel after police blocked major entrances leading to Jacaranda Grounds.
In that statement, he called for an intergenerational political dialogue—bringing elders, youth, intellectuals and activists to one table, with outcomes eventually subjected to a national vote.
The idea gained traction especially among younger Kenyans who had been vocal on matters of accountability and policing.
One of Raila’s biggest political detonators came in August during the Devolution Conference, where he openly called for the abolishment of the Constituency Development Fund.
The idea gained traction especially among younger Kenyans who had been vocal on matters of accountability and policing.
One of Raila’s biggest political detonators came in August during the Devolution Conference, where he openly called for the abolishment of the Constituency Development Fund.
He argued that MPs should make laws and provide oversight, not manage public funds directly.
The backlash was immediate. Lawmakers across parties accused him of shifting political loyalties.
The backlash was immediate. Lawmakers across parties accused him of shifting political loyalties.
Millie Odhiambo said Raila appeared to favour governors, while Junet Mohammed threatened to personally lobby him to withdraw his remarks. Raila did not back down.
On September 22, Raila issued what turned out to be his last major directive. He warned ODM MPs against issuing independent public statements, insisting decisions must be processed through party structures.
On September 22, Raila issued what turned out to be his last major directive. He warned ODM MPs against issuing independent public statements, insisting decisions must be processed through party structures.
He also clarified that ODM had not surrendered its political future, insisting the party would still field a candidate in 2027.
Weeks later, he travelled abroad for treatment. On October 15, 2025, Raila Odinga died, triggering national mourning.
His return, state funeral, and burial drew unprecedented crowds. Today, thousands still travel to his resting site in Bondo.
What remains clear is that even in his final days, Raila influenced policy, shaped national debate, and left the country altered in ways still unfolding.
What remains clear is that even in his final days, Raila influenced policy, shaped national debate, and left the country altered in ways still unfolding.
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