Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga is one of the most influential persons in the entire nation. Raila, who recently took an oath of office as the people’s president, is a man hated and loved in equal measure because of his role in shaping the politics of this nation. He has been in the political arena for decades but presidency has been elusive on his side. Here are 5 less known facts about Raila.
1. Raila’s father married five wives
Raila Amolo Odinga’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga married five different wives. The names of the wives are, however not disclosed.
2. Raila’s father renounced his name
Raila’s father had been Christened Obadiah Adonijah, but he later renounced his Christian names to Oginga Odinga. Oginga rose to become the second most influential politician in the country during Independence after President Jomo Kenyatta, who is popularly known as the founding father of the nation.
3. Raila’s net worth
Raila Odinga’s net worth is estimated at $ 500 million. The opposition leader owns a series of properties including Spectre International Limited (the holding company for Kisumu Ethanol Plant) in Kisumu, East African Spectre, family home in Karen Nairobi, Runda House, A house in Mombasa and Sh.1 billion State House in Kisumu
4. Raila met his wife at the University of Nairobi
Raila Amolo Odinga met his wife Ida Odinga while he was working at the University of Nairobi in the engineering department. Ida was pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Education.
5. Raila and his father were MPs at the same time
Raila and his father had the privilege of working as MPs together between 1992 and 994. The two were very vocal in matters of national interest during their term in office.