Raila Amolo Odinga: The father of legal reform in Kenya
by admin on | 2025-11-03 14:35:31
Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 19
The 15th day of October, 2025 will remain cast in the history of the Republic of Kenya as very cold and cloudy day. This is because it not only marked the end Raila Amolo Odinga’s mortal journey but also an end of an era to more than two decades of a political career punctuated by the five times race to the high Office of President of the Republic of Kenya. While massively adored by his constituency from the different pockets and regions in the country, Raila Odinga never got a chance to serve as President of the Republic of Kenya. He was however the enigma and perhaps the most consequential figure in the politics of Kenya. “Baba” as popularly known always found a way to mutate and evolve as he stayed relevant to the politics of the day in spite of the different political shades and formations that he fronted. This article however examines the role of Raila Odinga in legal reform. In retrospect, just as the man evolved in politics, so did Raila seek for the laws and the legal systems in Kenya to evolve hence the father of legal reform. Raila’s mark in the Constitution amendment journey Kenya’s Constitution amendment journey may be traced as early as 1963. This journey displays both the good and the bad of Kenya historical landscape. Raila’s figure prints are always discussed in the light of the fight to repeal section 2A and make Kenya a multi-party State in 1992. This of course has always been christened as the second- generation liberation struggle meant to open up the political space and human rights in the country. Raila’s foot prints influence and leadership were also very evident in the push for a new Constitution 2010 but this came with the rejection of the Kilifi draft and the endorsement of the Bomas Draft Constitution. Raila Odinga was therefore known as a big champion of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Raila has however evolved with time and has championed amendments even to the Constitution of Kenya through the BBI and the NADCO report all be it unsuccessfully. As much there may be a lot to say about the BBI and the NADCO reports, there is a sense in which Raila sought to reform the law so that the law reflects the needs of our society. Now that Raila is gone is it time to examine, reflect on and amend the Constitution of Kenya? The question remains, If the Constitution was to be amended what would this look like? A question Raila Amolo Odinga would gladly grapple with.
