---
title: "Raila Odinga Passes One Year Anniversary"
url: https://newscentral.site/raila-odinga-passes-one-year-anniversary/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "World"
published: 2026-10-15T14:46:00.000Z
updated: 2026-10-16T04:03:10.258Z
id: 00ebf8c7-e4d5-471d-935f-40b00f666f5e
source: "DW English https://www.dw.com/en/can-kenya-preserve-the-democratic-space-raila-odinga-fought-for/a-79668443?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/raila-odinga-passes-one-year-anniversary/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Raila Odinga Passes One Year Anniversary

The former Prime Minister of Kenya is remembered for his role in promoting multiparty democracy and constitutional reforms.

Kenya is marking a somber anniversary - that of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's passing one year ago. Despite his passing, Odinga remains an iconic figure in Kenyan politics, embodying the struggle for multiparty democracy and constitutional reforms.

For many young people, Odinga's legacy represents a guiding force for peace, democracy, and the rule of law. Nairobi resident Beatrice Chebet, 20, emphasizes that Odinga wanted his impact to transcend party lines. Chebet believes that younger generations must continue striving towards these ideals, building on Odinga's vision.

As a generation shaped by multipartyism, Chebet acknowledges that many Kenyans did not experience the pre-Odinga era firsthand. She notes that some of her peers were too young during the time of Odinga's rise to prominence, but still recognize his significance in shaping their country's politics.

A power-sharing agreement brokered by international mediation led to Odinga becoming prime minister of a coalition government alongside President Mwai Kibaki. This deal also laid out a reform agenda that included constitutional changes. As part of this plan, Kenya adopted a new constitution in 2010, introducing a devolved system of governance.

Byron Adera, a security and intelligence strategist, believes Odinga's influence extended beyond electoral politics. According to Adera, Odinga was instrumental in bringing about lasting institutional reforms that have positively impacted Kenya. He attributes this legacy to constitutional reform efforts and Odinga's ability to unite competing political interests.

The life of Raila Odinga has been marked by controversy surrounding reconciliation with his former rivals. His "handshakes with Kibaki in 2008, Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018, and cooperation with William Ruto have highlighted his willingness to work towards political agreements despite past animosity.

These gestures of reconciliation have sparked debate about their effectiveness and motivations. While some view them as genuine attempts at national unity, others see them as strategic moves designed to consolidate power. The legacy of Odinga's efforts in this area remains a topic of discussion among observers.

The legacy of former opposition leader Raila Odinga's efforts to bring about dialogue and national unity continues to be a topic of discussion among observers. One of the criticisms leveled against his approach was that it undermined the independence of the opposition by creating alliances with those in power.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been vocal in his disapproval of the political rapprochement between President William Ruto and Odinga, labeling it nonsense" that eroded Kenya's democracy. According to Gachagua, the handshake process weakened the opposition's ability to hold the government accountable.

The debate over Odinga's legacy is particularly intense within his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which he founded and led for years. The party is facing a challenge in preserving its identity and connection with ordinary Kenyans while navigating a changing political landscape.

Edwin Sifuna, a potential presidential candidate in the 2027 election, has expressed concerns about ODM's direction under new leadership. He notes that the party's core support base may be at risk of being lost if it strays from its founding ideals of representing the people.

In an effort to keep the Odinga name prominent in politics, Winnie Odinga, Raila's daughter, has announced her candidacy for Senator of Nairobi County in the 2027 election.

Raila Odinga's legacy is being judged by how well future generations defend the democratic values he championed during his lifetime. Some analysts believe that true test of his impact will be seen in the ability of Kenya's institutions and younger generation to uphold these principles even after he is gone.

The debate over Odinga's political compromises continues, with some arguing that they undermined the very democracy he fought for. Meanwhile, calls for democratic accountability are growing louder, a testament to the lasting influence of his legacy on Kenyan politics.

---
Source: [DW English](https://www.dw.com/en/can-kenya-preserve-the-democratic-space-raila-odinga-fought-for/a-79668443?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/raila-odinga-passes-one-year-anniversary/