Raila Odinga (b. 1945)

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Biography

Raila Amolo Odinga was a Kenyan politician who served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. He was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Langata Constituency from 1992 to 2013. He was also the leader of Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party.

Timeline

The story of Raila Odinga, told in moments.

1982 Life

Detained without trial for seven years after being accused of involvement in a failed coup attempt. He was held in solitary confinement. His father was also detained.

How do you survive seven years of solitary confinement? Did detention radicalize you or harden your resolve? What kept your mind intact?

2008 Event

Became Prime Minister of Kenya in a power-sharing deal after the disputed 2007 election sparked ethnic violence that killed over 1,000 people.

Was the 2008 power-sharing deal a victory or a compromise? How do you govern alongside someone you believe stole the election? Did the violence of 2007 change what democracy meant to you?

2017 Life

Ran for president five times. Lost every race. Each time he alleged fraud. The Supreme Court nullified the 2017 results and ordered a new election, which he then boycotted.

What does losing five presidential races do to a person? Do you believe the fraud allegations were always real? Was boycotting the 2017 re-run the right call?

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Explore what happened on the days that shaped Raila Odinga's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.