In a political scene often marked by rivalry and rhetoric, Raila Odinga has carved a legacy as Kenya’s philosopher politician, turning serious moments into humour, grief into poetry and language into power.
In November 2023, at the height of political protests and economic frustration, Odinga quoted William Shakespeare: “Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.” With his usual calm tone, he added, “Death is a necessary evil.”