Raila Amolo Odinga was born on January 7th, 1945, in Maseno, Kenya.

He was the son of the first vice president of Kenya the late Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

Raila was married to Ida Oyoo Odinga whom they were blessed with four children.

Education background of Raila Odinga 

He started early schooling at Kisumu Union Primary, then later at Maranda High School. Dropped out in 1962 and travelled to East Germany, where he was admitted to the Herder Institution.

He was awarded a scholarship at Technical school, Magdeburg, in 1965, which is part of the philological faculty at the University of Leipzig, Germany.

Graduated with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1970.

Raila’s Political Journey

He was a Kenyan businessman and politician who served as prime minister of Kenya between 2008– 2013 following the contentious presidential election of December 2007.

He focused on environmental conservation, improved public service performance, and managed public resources prudently. He also represented Kenya in various high-level international meetings.

Raila has vied five times for the presidency in Kenya but has failed all the attempts.

Raila enhanced PIDA implementation and political backing for infrastructure projects and promoted continent-wide consensus building in (2018-2023) when he was the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa.

He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for 20 years from 1992. He also held various ministerial positions in government, like Minister for Energy and Minister for Roads, Public Works, and Housing.

In his tenure in this dockets, he focused on road infrastructure development, energy availability and affordable housing.

He also encouraged green energy policies like investing in geothermal and hydroelectric power.

Additionally, Raila advocated for democracy and social justice in Kenya and also advocated for national unity.

Also Read: Kalonzo Hits Back at ODM Over Claims He Spread Rumors About Raila’s Health

Raila Odinga Awards

Odinga is recognized for his knowledgeable skills in politics, policies, and diplomacy.

He has been awarded various prestigious awards, including the Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH) of Kenya, the Golden Jubilee Award, the Greater Good Award, and the Global Leadership Awards.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for instant news updates

Photo of Raila Odinga for illustration purposes. PHOTO/Standard