Kenyan presidential political analyst Dismas Mokua says the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga marks “the end of a powerful era” in Kenyan politics, describing him as a man who combined intellect, influence, and charisma to shape the nation’s democratic trajectory.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday (15 October), Mokua said Odinga’s 50-year political career made him one of the most consequential figures in Kenya’s post-independence history.
“Mr Raila Odinga has been a central force in Kenya’s political space for about 50 years. He developed serious political capital, giving him the power to influence both politics and governance,” he said.
He credited Odinga for his pivotal role in achieving Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, which expanded civil liberties and strengthened democratic institutions.
“He was a key player in helping Kenyans secure the 2010 Constitution — his fingerprints are all over it,” Mokua noted.
The analyst described Odinga as a “solid pan-Africanist” and “African encyclopedia”, saying he possessed deep knowledge of the continent’s political history and leaders.
“If you met Raila Odinga and asked him about Kwame Nkrumah or Achimota College, he would discuss them in great detail,” Mokua remarked.
According to him, Odinga’s political influence was so immense that he could “inflict political pain or supply political pleasure” depending on whether one aligned with his interests.
“Many politicians queued to seek his blessing. If he liked you, your political fortunes changed. If not, you became a chapter in history books,” he said.
Mokua added that Odinga’s death would leave many “political orphans” in Kenya, particularly those whose careers depended on his endorsement.
He predicted that the ODM — the party Odinga led for decades — could face fragmentation or renewal in his absence.
“ODM may either collapse or see new talents emerge that he had previously overshadowed,” he observed.
Despite Odinga’s immense influence, Mokua said his passing could usher in a new phase of merit-based politics where leaders rise by competence rather than proximity to power.
“Now politicians will have to prove their character and competence to win elections. Raila’s dominance made many rely on his endorsement to win,” he explained.
He also argued that Odinga’s exit could allow Kenya’s institutions to assert their independence, noting that his political weight often rivalled that of state bodies.
“He was the only person stronger than most institutions. With his exit, we’ll now see systems serving their rightful roles,” he said.
Reflecting on his contribution to democracy, Mokua said Odinga’s courage and activism were instrumental in ending Kenya’s one-party rule and laying the foundations for multi-party democracy.
“He was daring and determined. Without him, Kenya may not have achieved democratic reform as early as 2010,” Mokua concluded.
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