Kenya is mourning the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, who passed away in India. Tributes are pouring in from across the world, remembering a man whose influence transcended politics — and whose presence often bent even the strictest rules of State protocol.
Over his long and storied political career, Mr Odinga was rarely a man to follow convention. Whether by choice or circumstance, his appearances at national events often shifted the rhythm of ceremony — a reflection of his towering political stature and the reverence he commanded even outside government. From national holidays to State House meetings, “Baba” would sometimes speak when protocol dictated silence, or arrive when order required patience.
As the country comes to terms with his passing, here are five memorable moments when Raila Odinga defied protocol — and, in doing so, etched himself deeper into the nation’s political story.
Madaraka Day, Kisumu — June 1, 2021
During the 58th Madaraka Day celebrations in Kisumu in 2021, former President Uhuru Kenyatta openly broke State protocol to invite Raila Odinga to address the crowd before him.
As per custom, Deputy President William Ruto had given his remarks and was expected to usher in the President. But Mr Kenyatta, addressing a jubilant audience at the newly built Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, made an unplanned announcement.
“You will forgive me,” he said, “but let me break protocol today to invite my brother, Raila Odinga, Jakom, to say hi to you and to deliver his Madaraka Day sentiments. Welcome, my brother.”
ODM party leader Raila Odinga has called for a fresh investigation into the death of former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel, who died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident on August 24.
Photo credit: Pool
The crowd erupted in applause. Mr Odinga, who held no formal government position at the time, used the platform to champion the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), the hallmark of his post-handshake collaboration with Kenyatta.
“We must remain united and support BBI which will bring unprecedented development and enhance unity in the country,” he said, before inviting the President back to the podium- a symbolic reversal of power that captured his influence in the Kenyatta era.
Jamhuri Day, Nairobi — December 12, 2021
Six months later, at the 58th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, President Kenyatta again defied protocol to invite Raila to speak after his own address.
“I would wish to identify one person who walked with me and advised me during the refurbishment of this Uhuru Gardens,” Mr Kenyatta said, adding, “The man Raila Odinga has been key through his advice. And as I can see these Kenyans want you to address them, please come and say something.”
Mr Odinga stepped up to rapturous applause, using the moment to remind Kenyans of their independence history.
“This land had been grabbed, but those land grabbers never see open space without grabbing it. You [Uhuru] managed to retrieve it back for the benefit of our people,” he said, praising the site’s transformation into a living monument of freedom.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
It was one of the few times in Kenya’s history that an opposition leader had been publicly invited to speak at a national holiday, and a mark of Mr Odinga’s enduring symbolic power.
Mashujaa Day, Mombasa — October 20, 2019
Two years earlier, at the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Mombasa, Governor Hassan Joho orchestrated a quiet protocol rebellion of his own.
According to the official programme, Mr Joho was to invite Deputy President William Ruto, who would then introduce President Kenyatta. But sensing the charged mood, and perhaps to avoid sidelining his party leader, Joho called Raila Odinga to the podium first.
It was a small but significant break in order. Mr Odinga delivered a short address that calmed the crowd and struck a conciliatory tone.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, while addressing Accountants during their 42nd Annual Seminar at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa on May 20, 2025.
Photo credit: Wachira Mwangi| Nation Media Group
“Raila Odinga told me, kijana wangu , this country is greater than all of us, and today I want to thank you, my father, for that very important advice.”
It was yet another moment that blurred the lines between opposition and government, and a testament to Odinga’s ability to command respect across divides.
Africa Climate Summit, KICC — September 9, 2023
At the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Mr Odinga once again became the centre of a protocol storm. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua later claimed that Mr Odinga had attempted to sit among heads of state at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), despite not holding an official position.
“He wanted to sit where presidents were seated, even though he is not an elected leader,” Mr Gachagua said later at a funeral in Kericho.
ODM officials countered that the African Union and United Nations had insisted Odinga attend due to his continental stature. “Baba,” they said, had earned a place at the table of leaders - whether State House liked it or not.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Mr Odinga eventually sat a few rows behind the dignitary section, beside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, a quiet reminder that influence is not always measured by where one sits.
State House, Mombasa — February 24, 2025
In what would be one of his final major public appearances, Mr Odinga attended a meeting at State House, Mombasa, shortly after returning from his unsuccessful African Union Commission chairmanship bid.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki spoke first, then invited the former Premier to make his remarks before President William Ruto, a clear break from State House order.
Odinga took the opportunity to clarify the controversy surrounding the government’s support for his AU campaign.
ODM leader Raila Odinga during Eid Baraza in Mombasa County on April 5, 2025.
Photo credit: Wachira Mwangi | Nation Media Group
“I have seen billions being quoted. Someone is talking about KSh13 billion spent on Mr Odinga’s campaigns. I do not know which world those guys live in,” he said.
“The government gave what was required, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs was available 24-7.”
“I am available to help the continent of Africa but more importantly, I am also available for Kenya. I will consult widely and announce the way forward shortly. Watch this space.”
Weeks later, that space would be empty, and now, forever so.
Whether by design or destiny, Raila Odinga’s life blurred the boundaries between power and protocol. Presidents broke tradition to let him speak; governors rewrote programmes to fit him in; and even the most rigid state officers often yielded to the sheer weight of his symbolism.
He was never one for titles, yet he carried the authority of one who had held them all.
In his passing, Kenya has lost not just an opposition leader, but a man who shaped its democracy, tempered its storms, and time and again reminded it that leadership was not about rank, but about relevance.
As Kenyans pour into the streets in mourning, one thing is clear: even in death, Raila Odinga remains a statesman above titles, a man who lived and left on his own terms.
