Five decades at the heart of Kenya's political story
By Jackline Macharia·Published: 15th October 2026
For more than five decades, Raila Odinga stood at the centre of Kenya’s political story. From his early years in public service and the struggle for multiparty democracy, to his five presidential bids, time as Prime Minister and role in continental affairs, his journey was marked by political alliances, setbacks, triumphs and repeated battles for reform. This timeline traces 50 defining moments that shaped Raila’s life and his enduring place in Kenya’s history.