# Raila A Odinga

> Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013

**Wikidata**: [Q57657](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57657)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raila_Odinga)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/raila-a-odinga

## Summary
Raila Amolo Odinga is a Kenyan politician who served as Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013, a pivotal role in the country’s political history. A prominent leader in Kenyan politics, he has been a key figure in shaping the nation’s governance and democratic processes, known for his leadership in the Orange Democratic Movement and his advocacy for constitutional reform.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 7, 1945  
- **Nationality**: Kenya  
- **Education**: Studied at Leipzig University (Germany) and other institutions.  
- **Known for**: Serving as Prime Minister of Kenya (2008–2013) and leadership in the Orange Democratic Movement.  
- **Employer(s)**: Government of Kenya, Orange Democratic Movement, National Rainbow Coalition.  
- **Field(s)**: Politics, governance, public service.  

## Contributions
- **Prime Minister of Kenya (2008–2013)**: Led the country’s government during a critical period following post-election violence in 2007–2008, contributing to political stability and reconciliation efforts.  
- **Founder of the Orange Democratic Movement (2005)**: Established the party as a major political force in Kenya, advocating for democratic reforms and social justice.  
- **Key Role in National Rainbow Coalition (2002)**: Played a central part in forming the coalition that won the 2002 general elections, ending nearly 40 years of dominance by the Kenya African National Union (KANU).  

## FAQs
- **What is Raila Odinga’s most notable political achievement?** He served as Kenya’s first Prime Minister under the 2010 constitution, overseeing national reconciliation and institutional reforms.  
- **Which political parties has he led?** He founded the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in 2005 and was a key figure in the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) during the 2002 elections.  
- **What is his educational background?** He studied at Leipzig University in Germany, among other institutions, though specific degrees are not detailed in the source material.  
- **Why is he nicknamed “Baba” or “Tinga”?** These aliases reflect his popularity and resilience in Kenyan politics, symbolizing his enduring influence and grassroots appeal.  

## Why They Matter
Raila Odinga’s political career has profoundly influenced Kenya’s democratic trajectory. His leadership during the 2007–2008 post-election crisis helped steer the country toward constitutional reform, culminating in the 2010 constitution that decentralized power and expanded civil liberties. As a longtime opposition leader and prime minister, he has shaped policies on devolution, economic equity, and social inclusion, leaving a legacy of advocacy for marginalized communities and institutional accountability.

## Notable For
- **First Prime Minister of Kenya under the 2010 constitution**, marking a shift toward devolved governance.  
- **Founder of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)**, a dominant political party in Kenya’s multi-party system.  
- **Key architect of the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC)**, which ended KANU’s 39-year rule in 2002.  
- **Prominent advocate for constitutional reform and devolution**, driving the 2010 constitutional referendum.  

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Raila Amolo Odinga was born on January 7, 1945, in Kenya. He pursued higher education at Leipzig University in Germany, among other institutions, though specific details of his academic qualifications are not provided in the source material. His early life laid the foundation for a career in public service and politics.

### Political Career
- **Entry into Politics**: Odinga’s political engagement began in the 1970s, influenced by his family’s activism against colonial rule and his father’s detention by the British.  
- **Detention and Exile**: He was detained without trial in 1982 and 1991 by the Daniel arap Moi regime, reflecting his early struggles against authoritarianism.  
- **Founding of NARC (2002)**: As a leader of the National Rainbow Coalition, he played a pivotal role in the coalition’s victory in the 2002 elections, ending KANU’s decades-long dominance.  
- **Orange Democratic Movement (2005)**: After disagreements over constitutional reforms, he founded the ODM, which became a major opposition force.  

### Premiership (2008–2013)
- **Coalition Government**: Odinga became Prime Minister in 2008 after a power-sharing agreement resolved the post-election violence that followed the disputed 2007 presidential election.  
- **Policy Focus**: His tenure emphasized devolution, infrastructure development, and social equity, aligning with the 2010 constitutional reforms he championed.  
- **Challenges**: His government faced criticism for corruption scandals and slow implementation of reforms, though he maintained public support as a pro-reform leader.  

### Post-Premiership and Legacy
- **Presidential Bids**: Odinga ran for president in 2013, 2017, and 2022, losing each time amid allegations of electoral irregularities, which he contested through legal and public means.  
- **Continued Advocacy**: After leaving office, he remained a vocal advocate for democratic governance, often critiquing successive administrations on issues like corruption and inequality.  
- **Global Influence**: His role in mediating regional conflicts and promoting Pan-Africanism has kept him relevant in international diplomacy, particularly within the African Union.  

### Affiliations and Roles
- **Political Parties**: National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).  
- **Professional Roles**: Politician, minister, university teacher, and businessperson.  
- **International Engagement**: Participant in regional and global governance forums, emphasizing Kenya’s role in East African stability.  

### Cultural Impact
- **Nicknames**: Known as “Baba” (Swahili for “father”) and “Tinga” (a Luo term for “steely” or “unyielding”), reflecting his resilience and populist appeal.  
- **Public Perception**: Viewed by supporters as a champion of the marginalized and a pro-democracy icon; critics accuse him of political opportunism and divisiveness.  

### Connections to Key Entities
- **Kenya**: His career is deeply intertwined with Kenya’s post-independence political evolution, from Moi’s era to the current presidential republic.  
- **Leipzig University**: His education in Germany influenced his political philosophy and international outlook.  
- **Orange Democratic Movement**: The party remains a testament to his organizational skills and ideological imprint on Kenyan politics.

## References

1. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [aljazeera.com. 2014](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2014/7/9/profile-raila-odinga)
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
7. SNAC
8. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
9. Munzinger Personen
10. [Raila Odinga, le chef de l’opposition kényane, est mort. 2025](https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2025/10/15/raila-odinga-le-chef-de-l-opposition-kenyane-est-mort_6646914_3212.html)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Davos 2013 Participant List
13. Google Knowledge Graph