1. He Studied in East Germany
While most people know Raila Odinga studied abroad, few know the exact details. He studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Magdeburg in East Germany (then GDR) in the 1960s. He became fluent in German and even taught the language when he returned to Kenya.
2. He Was Once a University Lecturer
Before entering full-time politics, Raila worked as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, teaching mechanical engineering. He later left academia to focus on business and later, political activism.
3. He Helped Design the Gas Cylinder
Raila once worked at the Kenya Bureau of Standards and managed an engineering company called East African Spectre, which specialized in making liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. That’s why many Kenyans associate him with the gas cylinder business even today.
4. He Was Imprisoned Without Trial for Over 8 Years
During Daniel arap Moi’s regime, Raila was detained three times, totaling about eight years without trial. He was accused of involvement in the 1982 attempted coup but was never convicted. His imprisonment made him a symbol of resistance against dictatorship in Kenya.
5. He Once Used a Different Name in Exile
After his release from prison, Raila fled Kenya in disguise, reportedly using a false passport under the name “Agwambo” — a nickname that stuck with him. He lived briefly in Norway before returning to Kenya.
6. He Has a Strong Connection to Sports
Few people know that Raila is a huge football fan. He supports Gor Mahia FC and has attended many of their matches incognito. His love for football also inspired youth tournaments he has sponsored over the years.
7. He Was Once a Sunday School Teacher
In his younger days, Raila reportedly taught Sunday school at a Lutheran church. His Christian faith and exposure to religious institutions have shaped his speeches and political philosophy over time.
8. He Has German Family Connections
Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga, once revealed that their children partly grew up influenced by German culture because of Raila’s education there. The family has longstanding friendships in Germany, where Raila is still recognized as an honorary alumnus.
9. He Almost Became Deputy President in 2002
In the 2002 elections, Raila was instrumental in uniting opposition parties under NARC. Though he was key to Mwai Kibaki’s victory, he was overlooked for the deputy presidency, a move that sowed early seeds of political mistrust within the coalition. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1m39xg4dggo
10. He Was Once a Business Consultant in Cuba
Before the multiparty era, Raila briefly worked as a technical consultant in Cuba on energy and industrial projects. He has often cited. Read more about Raila https://www.whispers.co.ke/932/news/2025/why-many-kenyans-are-deeply-saddened-by-the-death-of-raila-odinga/
