Willis Otieno: Raila Was Beyond Presidency
Lawyer and political analyst Willis Otieno recently paid a touching tribute to the late Raila Amolo Odinga, honoring him as a leader whose impact extended well beyond the realms of politics and the presidency.
During a televised memorial discussion on the morning of Thursday, October 16, 2025, Otieno shared his thoughts on Raila’s life, the sacrifices he made, and the lasting influence he had on Kenya’s journey toward democracy.
“My recollection of Raila Odinga, I will only say this. The king has died, long live the king,” Otieno began, echoing a phrase Raila himself often used when honouring great leaders.
Otieno described Raila as a truly unique individual, someone that only a handful of generations get the chance to see. He elaborated that for more than thirty years, Raila Odinga has been instrumental in shaping the political landscape of Kenya, helping citizens grasp the true essence of their freedoms.
“For the last 30 years, Raila Odinga has been what I call the definer of how the Kenyan people organise themselves. Within him lies a person who drew inspiration and shaped the history of our nation,” he said.
Otieno praised Raila for his pivotal role in the fight for Kenya’s second liberation, emphasizing that the freedoms Kenyans enjoy today are closely tied to his sacrifices.
“We enjoy our political freedoms today largely because of the efforts of Raila Odinga. If I were to take all those who fought for our second liberation, the ultimate epitome of that struggle and the personality behind it would be Raila Odinga,” he said.
According to Otieno, Raila’s journey in politics was defined by his bravery and the personal sacrifices he made. He reminded the people of Kenya that Raila spent nine long years in detention while fighting for multiparty democracy, yet he never wavered in his belief that the country was in dire need of change.
“Those were fights which he fought on the streets. He paid. He sacrificed by being detained for nine years,” Otieno said.
He mentioned that one of Raila’s most significant accomplishments was being able to witness the fruits of the democratic struggle he fought for.
“Few heroes live to see the solidification of their struggle like Raila did with the 2010 Constitution,” he observed.
Willis Otieno: Raila Was Beyond Presidency
