Former Kenya Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga was an ardent sportsman from local to global sports and left an inspiring legacy.
Raila played for the Bunge FC when he was a member of parliament for the Lang’ata constituency between 2008 and 2013.
Among the sports Baba was passionate about was football, as he was the longest-serving patron for the 21-time Kenyan premier league champions Gor Mahia until his demise, attended several matches, and rarely missed the Mashemeji derby pitting Gor and AFC Leopards.
Another match that Baba never missed was the Nyanza derby pitting Gor Mahia against Shabana FC.
Baba was conspicuously present in almost all Harambee Stars matches and the final of the African Nations Championship CHAN, which was held at the Kasarani Stadium in August this year.
During the CHAN tournament the late Raila met and interacted with both FIFA President Gianni Infantinho as well as the CAF President Dr.Patrice Motsepe who attended the final between eventual winners Morocco against Madagascar.
Besides, CHAN Raila used to attend the majority of the Harambee Stars home matches.
International Raila was a big supporter of the Arsenal Football Club, which currently leads the English Premier League table.
In athletics, Raila was a frequenter of the Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour,a gold label track and field 1 day championship which has been held in Kenya since 2021.
Baba Raila attended several editions with the retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and the current head of state William Ruto.
In his eulogy, Raila’s elder brother Oburu Odinga confirmed that the late Baba was good at High Jump and Pole Vault and also played soccer.
Raila attended several WRC Safari Rally Championships in Naivasha, especially since the Kenyan rally was reinstated to the global calendar in 2021 after a 19 year hiatus.
Baba attended the WRC Safari rally with retired president Uhuru Kenyatta in Naivasha.
Raila was never too busy for sports; he attended local rugby games and supported grassroots sports, which was key in nurturing talent.
The Kenyan sports fraternity will miss BABA forever. Rest well, Raila.
