The sudden death of ODM leader Raila Amollo Odinga in India on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, has not only sent shockwaves across Kenya but also turned the nation’s attention to the family and legacy of the man who shaped Kenyan politics for over four decades.
Raila’s journey in politics was one marked by resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. He made four presidential bids, each time commanding massive national support but falling short of victory. Despite the setbacks, his influence on Kenya’s democracy and his fight for justice remained unmatched.
His struggles began in the early years of the Moi regime. In 1982, Raila was arrested and detained after being accused of involvement in the failed coup against President Daniel arap Moi. He spent six years in detention, only gaining his freedom in 1988. However, his release was short-lived.
A few months later, he was rearrested alongside other pro-democracy activists for pushing for the reintroduction of multiparty democracy—a move that was considered treasonous at the time. He was released on June 12, 1989, but again detained the following year. His final release came on June 21, 1991, marking nearly a decade of relentless persecution for his political ideals.
Despite enduring years of torture and imprisonment, Raila’s spirit never wavered. His early life reflected the humble beginnings of a man who would one day become one of Africa’s most influential opposition leaders.
Raila’s First House
Raila Odinga’s first home, fondly known as “Simba”, is located in Kang’o Kajaramogi, Bondo, within his father’s ancestral homestead. The modest structure still stands today—a silent reminder of his humble roots.
The house was a simple tin-roofed dwelling with wooden walls and a plain floor, symbolizing the simplicity and determination that defined his early years. Despite its modesty, it carries immense historical and emotional value, standing as a monument to the Odinga family’s legacy.
Inside the house is a unique feature called the “Corridors of Fame,” a wall adorned with photographs of world icons who inspired Raila’s political philosophy. Among those featured are Thomas Sankara, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi—leaders who, like Raila, dedicated their lives to fighting for justice and equality.
The home serves not just as a historical site but as a reflection of the journey of a man who rose from humble beginnings to become a national icon and a continental voice for democracy.
As Kenyans continue to mourn his passing, Raila’s story reminds the nation that greatness often begins from the simplest of places. His first home in Bondo stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance, humility, and hope—a fitting reflection of the man fondly remembered as Baba.