Raila Odinga: The sportsman behind the statesman
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 17.10.25. | 13:49
His deep passion for the game evolved into lifelong support for football, athletics, and rugby
Beyond his towering political legacy, the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga was, at heart, a true sportsman.
His brother, Dr. Oburu Odinga, revealed that the former Prime Minister had an active sporting life in his youth, playing football, participating in pole vaulting, and even competing in the triple jump.
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“I also want to tell you that Raila was a sportsman. He used to do triple jump, football, and pole vault. But I was better than him in jumping and in pole vault,” Oburu said during Raila’s state funeral on Friday, 17 October at the Nyayo Stadium.
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Raila’s love for sport went far beyond his school days.
He played for Luo Union in the 1960s and later featured for the Parliamentary Football Club, popularly known as Bunge FC.
His deep passion for the game evolved into lifelong support for Kenyan football, particularly for Gor Mahia FC, the club that held his heart for decades.
A patron and pillar for Gor Mahia
As Gor Mahia’s long-serving patron, Raila was more than just a fan; he was a benefactor.
On Friday, 3 October, he donated KSh10 million to support the club’s 2025–2026 league season.
Earlier, in November 2023, he awarded Gor Mahia KSh1 million and Muhoroni Youth KSh500,000 after a league encounter in Homa Bay.
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©Tabby NashipaeIn June of the same year, he gifted KSh15 million when Gor Mahia clinched their record 20th league title.
His generosity stretched far beyond cash rewards.
In 2016, Raila helped launch the Gor Mahia FC SACCO, aimed at empowering players and fans. He also championed the Gor Mahia Bread project, a partnership that saw proceeds from bread sales go directly to the club, offering a steady source of income.
Even in 2015, he hosted Gor Mahia at his Capitol Hill office, gifting them KSh500,000 after their third consecutive league win and later attending the team’s historic match against Everton at Goodison Park in England.
The bond between Raila and Gor Mahia was personal, unwavering, and inspiring. In their tribute, the club often described him as “a father, friend, and eternal supporter.”
Advocate for National Sports Growth
As Prime Minister in 2012, Raila boldly announced Kenya’s bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games, arguing that no country in Africa had won more Olympic medals than Kenya.
Although the bid never materialised, it reflected his vision of positioning Kenya as a global sporting hub.
He reiterated this dream in 2020, calling for greater investment in athletes and sports programmes.
True to his word, Raila remained a consistent presence at national and international events, from cheering Harambee Stars to attending the 2022 Kip Keino Classic, where he celebrated Ferdinand Omanyala’s sprint victory alongside Presidents William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta.
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©Tabby NashipaeDuring the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya co-hosted with Tanzania and Uganda, Raila pledged KSh500,000 to every Harambee Stars player after their 1–0 win over Zambia’s Chipolopolo.
A friend of rugby and athletics
Raila’s sportsmanship was not limited to football. He was also a keen rugby enthusiast, frequently attending matches during the National 7s Circuit and supporting Kisumu RFC, where his late son Fidel Odinga once served as patron.
Each year, during the Dala 7s, Kisumu RFC would honor Fidel’s memory, a tradition Raila proudly upheld.
His presence was also felt at the RFUEA Grounds, where he often supported the Kenya 7s and Morans sides.
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©Tabby NashipaeArsenal Fan
Off the Kenyan pitch, Raila was an ardent Arsenal supporter. The English Premier League club paid tribute to him on October 16, 2025, recognising his enduring love for the sport and his influence in promoting football culture in Kenya.
His impact continues to live on through the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, a fitting tribute to a man who believed that sport could unite a nation.
©Mozzart SportHe is survived by his wife, Ida, and children Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie. His son Fidel passed away in 2015.
Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday, 19 October.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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