Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has been described as a political schemer and master of political surprises.
Raila’s political bravery has earned him titles like ‘enigma of Kenyan politics’ or Aguambo among others.
The former Prime Minister was baptized 'enigma' by a Nigerian author, Babafemi A Badejo.
'Enigma' according to Google search means something mysterious of difficult to understand.
According to Political analyst Peter Ngure, Raila’s political life has been full of surprises.
The analyst argues that it is difficult to understand or predict Raila’s political moves.
Ngure notes that the ODM party leader has used the tactic to knock off his political competitors.
Raila is considered as the father of the the country’s democracy and as an experienced politician, he has often kept his supporters guessing on his next course of action after unsuccessfully contesting for the presidency for four times.
Here are four scenario's where Raila Odinga made surprising decisions that left his supporters and competitors shocked.
1. Meeting with Moi at Kabarak, 1997
After losing to retired president Daniel Arap Moi in the 1997 general election, Raila made un-expected move that shocked his supporters.
The then leader of National Development Party (NDP) Raila was invited to a meeting by Moi at the retired President home in Kabarak home.
It is after the meeting that Raila dropped his party's decision to contest Moi’s election in the 1997 general election.
Days after the meeting with Moi, Raila announced that his NDP party had merged with KANU.
The merger announcement shocked Raila’s supporters and his allies among them Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, the late Kijana Wamalwa among others.
It is after the merger with KANU that Raila was appointed as Energy Minster in Moi’s government with his allies also getting government appointments.
The relationship between Raila and Moi did not last long after the retired president endorsed the now president Uhuru Kenyatta to contest for the top seat in 2002 general election.
2. Kibaki 'Tosha' - 2002
In the run up to the 2002 general election, Raila alongside other politician's among them Mwai Kibaki, Charity Ngilu and the late Kijana Wamalwa plotted to oust Moi from his 24 year rule.
The politician's accused Moi of dictatorship and suppressing the country's democratic space and human rights.
The politician's led by Odinga formed the National Rainbow Alliance (NARC).
It was believed that Raila was the best suited candidate to fly the NARC ticket in efforts to kick out Moi from leadership.
In a surprising move, Raila declined the offer and instead endorsed Mwai kibaki for the top seat.
In what was commonly known as ‘Kibaki Tosha’, Raila and others in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) decided to back Kibaki.
Kibaki went on to oust Moi in the 2002 general election.
The former president would later own betray the 2002 MoU.
After suffering betrayal, Raila alongside his political allies vowed to send Kibaki home in the 2007 general election.
The former Prime Minister contested for presidency in the 2007 general election with the likes of the now Deputy President William Ruto on his side.
However, the results of the 2007 presidential election was disputed with Kibaki and Raila both claiming victory.
The disputed polls led to clashes that saw atleast 300 Kenyans killed, property destroyed and families displaced.
Raila claimed that he won but rigged out by Kibaki. The disputed polls led to the formation of coalition government under the signing of national accord where Raila served as prime minister and Kibaki as President.
Raila went on to unsuccessfully contest for the presidency in the 2013 and 2017 general elections losing both to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
3. Swearing in as People's President on January 30, 2018
Raila Odinga shocked the country and the world when he accepted to be sworn in as the People's President on January 30 at Uhuru Park.
The government had warned Raila against taking oath it had described as illegal and 'highly treasonous'.
Raila, true to his word, took the oath which was snubbed by his deputy Kalonzo Musyoka and NASA co-principal's Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula.
Raila's controversial swearing attracted media coverage across the world .
4. Famous handshake with Uhuru on March 9, 2018.
With the political temperatures and post election anxiety still high and the push for electoral reforms through product boycotts on, Raila again shocked his supporters when he surprisingly met with Presdient Uhuru Kenyatta on march 9, 2018 at Harambee House in Nairobi.
The two leaders met and they decided and pledged to unite the country.
Their meeting has continued to draw reaction's with some politicians and political analyst's arguing that it is Raila’s plot to remain politically relevant ahead of 2022.
The March 9 handshake has resulted to more handshakes with leader's and politicians who were considered as Raila’s political enemies.
Raila’s meeting with retired President Daniel Arap is the latest one and continues to draw reaction's among Kenyans.