Raila's fight for gender equality opened political doors for women
Raila’s fight for women’s inclusion was bold and intentional, driving changes in party structures and national policy...
✨ Key Highlights
Raila Odinga, even after his passing, is being remembered for his significant contributions to advancing gender equality in Kenyan politics, particularly through his support for women in leadership roles and championing the two-thirds gender rule.
- Raila Odinga was instrumental in catapulting several women into elective seats, including supporting Governor Gladys Wanga in the male-dominated Homa Bay gubernatorial race.
- He notably selected People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua as his running mate for the 2022 presidential election, a historic moment for women in Kenyan politics.
- The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), under Raila, introduced a polling system where women scoring over 50 per cent received direct party tickets, as confirmed by Dr. Eve Obara.
- Former nominated MP for persons with disability Denita Ghati states that every Woman Representative in the country owes their seat to Raila Odinga, crediting his fight for a multiparty system and the new constitution.
- Dr. Pamela Odhiambo highlighted Raila's establishment of a women’s wing within the ODM, creating space for women's active participation from the grassroots to the national level.
Continue Reading
Read the complete article from Standard Politics
Part of the Day's Coverage
Remembering Raila Odinga's Life, Political Career, and Legacy - October 2025
Reflections on Raila Odinga's life highlight key moments and contributions that shaped his career. His early life was significantly influenced by his family's experiences with political detention, including a visit to his grandfather at Industrial Area Prison in Nairobi when he was three years old. After the death of Michael Kijana Wamalwa in August 2003, Odinga faced a significant challenge in securing support from the “Mulembe nation,” a region that later became his stronghold. Odinga is also remembered for his contributions to gender equality, particularly his support for women in leadership and championing the two-thirds gender rule. His three-decade political career has been described as impactful, leaving a significant void in Kenyan politics.
