For over four decades, Raila Odinga has been a pivotal force in Kenyan politics, influencing the nation's trajectory through his relentless pursuit of democracy and numerous presidential bids. From his early advocacy for multiparty rule to leading significant political coalitions, his journey has been marked by both triumphs and controversies.

• Raila Odinga was born on January 7, 1945, and is the son of Kenya's first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
• He was detained without charge in 1990 under President Daniel Moi's rule, fueling his subsequent fight for democracy.
• Raila played a key role in the 2002 National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) victory, ending KANU's four-decade dominance and forming the influential Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
• After the contentious 2007 General Elections, he became Prime Minister in a power-sharing agreement with President Mwai Kibaki to restore peace.
• His five presidential bids, including in 2013, 2017, and 2022, consistently challenged election outcomes, leading to significant national events such as the 2018 handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta and a March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding between ODM and UDA.