[Former Vice President Oginga Odinga in a file photo. A veteran journalist has recounted events that led to Oginga getting angry at Raila Odinga. Photo/zipo.co.ke]
Arguably one of the most polished politician in the contemporary politics, Raila Odinga’s journey to national politics was not an easy one.
Having served several detentions in 80s and early 90s, the 72-yrs old NASA presidential flag bearer’s rise to national politics can be traced to the period.
And Odinga cemented his entry to national politics in 1992 during Ford Kenya’s National Delegates Conference when he stormed with a group of rowdy youths at City Stadium.
“He was accompanied by a group of rowdy youths waving twigs and literally caused a moment of panic when his father was addressing the conference,” notes veteran journalist Oscar Obonyo.
Obonyo adds: “Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was addressing the NDC and was visibly angered. He has to shout at Raila and commanded him to regulate the rowdy youths.”
Although he succumbed to his father’s pressure, Odinga had passed a message and was subsequently elected Deputy Director of elections.
Interestingly, he was elected as Langa’ta MP in 1992 and that marked his entry to national politics in which he has grown to a national leader respected internationally.
Mr Odinga will be trying his forth and perhaps the last stab at presidency after three unsuccessful attempts.