President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga during Kenya’s African Nations Championships match against DR Congo at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, last Sunday.
Raila Amollo Odinga will be remembered, not only as a statesman and reformist, but also as a sports lover who believed in uplifting athletes and nurturing local talent.
Fondly known as Agwambo, Tinga, Baba, or RAO, Raila passed away at the age of 80 on Wednesday morning, in India after suffering cardiac arrest. He had travelled to the Asian country for treatment.
President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga share a light moment with Harambee Stars team captain Abud Omar after their 1-0 victory over Zambia in their Chan Group A encounter at Kasarani Stadium on August 17, 2025.
Beyond his towering political legacy, Odinga had a lifelong love for sports, particularly football, and was an ardent supporter of Kenya’s national team, Harambee Stars, and the local premier league giants Gor Mahia FC, whom he served as patron for nearly two decades. He was always at Mashemeji Derby, a match contested between old rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.
In 2012, while serving as Prime Minister, Raila announced a bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games, which would have made Kenya the first African country to stage the quadrennial event.
President William Ruto (right), with President Yoweri Museveni (center) of Uganda and ODM leader Raila Odinga watch a footaball match between Gor Mahia and Uganda’s Kitara Football Club at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya County on January 02, 2025.
“No country in Africa has won more Olympic medals than Kenya, so we have all the rights to host the Games, and we are asking Brazil to support us,” Raila said at a press conference then.
However, the bid never materialised and was ultimately abandoned. In 2020, Raila reiterated his belief that Kenya could host the Olympics. He emphasised the importance of supporting athletes and sports programmes.
A passionate sportsman in his youth, Odinga played for Luo Union in the 1960s and later for the Parliamentary Football Club (Bunge FC). His love for the game continued throughout his life.
During the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda co-hosted, Raila pledged Sh500,000 to every Harambee Stars player after the team’s 1-0 victory over Zambia’s Chipolopolo, courtesy of Ryan Ogam’s winning goal.
On October 3, as Gor Mahia’s patron, he donated Sh10 million to the club to support its 2025–2026 league season.
Gor Mahia celebrated the gesture on social media, describing their visit to the opposition chief’s Karen home as “a historic breakfast” and praising his unwavering commitment and generosity. Odinga, a devoted fan of English Premier League side Arsenal, served Kenya as an MP, Cabinet Minister, and Prime Minister. He consistently supported local clubs financially and morally.
President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga watch Group ‘A’ match of 2024 African Nations Championship between Kenya and Zambia at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
On November 30 last year, Raila gifted Gor Mahia Sh700,000 and their opponents, Mara Sugar, Sh300,000 after a league match at Raila Odinga Stadium, adding Sh100,000 for the match officials.
His support for Gor Mahia stretched back decades. In November 2015, he awarded the team Sh500,000 for winning the Kenyan Premier League for the third consecutive time when he hosted them at his Capitol Hill offices in Nairobi. He also attended the historic Gor Mahia vs Everton match at Goodison Park. The encounter was organised through SportPesa’s sponsorship, a proud moment for Kenyan football.
On November 27, 2023, Raila awarded Gor Mahia Sh1 million and Muhoroni Youth Sh500,000 after another league encounter in Homa Bay. Earlier, in June 2023, he had gifted Gor Mahia Sh1.5 million for clinching their record 20th league title, reinforcing his reputation as one of the club’s most loyal supporters.
Odinga also spearheaded several initiatives to help Gor Mahia achieve financial stability. Among them was the Gor Mahia Bread project launched at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu. It was a partnership between Gor Mahia FC and Good Bread Kenya.
Harambee Stars Captain Michael Olunga (left) meets former prime Minister Raila Odinga on September 8, 2019 during International Friendly match between Kenya's Harambee Stars against Uganda Cranes at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
For every loaf sold, Sh1 was channelled to the club, creating a steady income stream. In 2016, he helped launch the Gor Mahia FC Savings & Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO) to empower players and fans while addressing the club’s recurring financial struggles. Through these acts, Raila bridged the gap between politics, sports, and community development.
His influence extended far beyond the political arena, leaving an enduring mark on Kenyan football and youth empowerment. Raila Odinga’s generosity, charisma, and unwavering passion for sports made him a beloved figure both on and off the field.
In recognition of his influence and devotion to sports, the Homa Bay Stadium was named Raila Odinga Stadium.
He is survived by his wife, Ida, and three children—Rosemary (48), Raila Junior (46), and Winnie (35). His son Fidel Odinga died in 2015. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
