The complex relationship between Raila Odinga, the veteran Kenyan politician, and Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda, spanned decades ...
The complex relationship between Raila Odinga, the veteran Kenyan politician, and Yoweri Museveni, the President of Uganda, spanned decades and was marked by periods of both conflict and close collaboration. Their interactions offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricate dynamics of East African politics.
Early Tensions and Political Asylum
The relationship had a difficult start. In November 1991, Odinga, facing political persecution in Kenya, sought asylum in Uganda. However, Museveni's government denied his request.
At the time, Museveni was engaged in discussions with then-Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi to resolve border disputes. Instead of granting asylum, Museveni's government handed Odinga over to a United Nations agency, which facilitated his departure to Norway and later Germany. From there, Odinga continued his pro-democracy activism.
Odinga returned to Kenya a year later and joined the opposition. His political allies were reportedly displeased with Museveni’s perceived closeness to Moi’s regime.
The 2002 Election and Subsequent Fallout
In 2002, with Odinga’s support, opposition leader Mwai Kibaki defeated Moi's preferred candidate, Uhuru Kenyatta, ending Moi's long tenure. During the handover of power to Kibaki, Museveni was reportedly heckled by supporters of the new government, who viewed him as a sympathizer of the outgoing regime.
However, the alliance between Kibaki and Odinga eventually fractured. Odinga rejoined the opposition and challenged the Kibaki administration in the 2007 election.
Post-Election Violence and Accusations
The disputed 2007 General Election triggered widespread violence. Odinga accused Uganda of supporting Kibaki’s government in suppressing protests, which resulted in numerous deaths. Museveni was the first world leader to congratulate Kibaki on his re-election, a move that angered Odinga’s supporters.
In retaliation, protesters uprooted sections of the railway linking Kenya to Uganda and set fire to Uganda-bound trucks in opposition strongholds.
On January 8, 2008, Odinga claimed during a radio interview that he had contacted Museveni to protest the alleged presence of Ugandan gunmen in Kisumu, Kenya. He claimed that these gunmen, dressed in civilian clothes and driving Ugandan-registered vehicles, had killed several civilians.
“But I had occasion to speak to President Yoweri Museveni who assured me that there are no Ugandan forces in the country, and I have reason to believe what he was saying,” Odinga stated at the time.
Reconciliation and Shifting Alliances
Following the violence, international mediators brokered a power-sharing agreement, and Odinga became Kenya’s prime minister. Despite this, his relationship with Museveni remained uneasy.
Tensions flared again over the ownership of Migingo Island in Lake Victoria. Odinga and his supporters asserted that the island belonged to Kenya and called on Kenyan security forces to assert control.
During a visit to the island, Odinga reiterated this position. In May 2009, Museveni, without directly naming Odinga, warned that he would not allow anyone to set foot on the island. He stated that the boundary surrounds the waters and that no Luo (Odinga's ethnic group) would fish in those waters.
Museveni later agreed to dialogue with leaders from Kenya’s Nyanza region.
A Budding Friendship
Over time, the relationship between Odinga and Museveni began to improve. On December 15, 2010, Odinga visited Museveni during a campaign stop in Uganda’s Iganga District. Accompanied by Kenyan MPs, Odinga campaigned for Museveni, describing him as “an old friend and comrade.” He added, “This is my home because I have had a good relationship with the people here. This is also where I have been given safe passage whenever I have needed it.”
Their friendship deepened in subsequent years. In December 2011, Odinga was the chief fundraiser at Busoga University in Uganda. On March 5, 2012, he visited Museveni at State House, Entebbe.
Enduring Ties Despite Political Setbacks
After losing the 2013 General Election to Uhuru Kenyatta, Odinga returned to opposition politics and challenged the new administration. On August 3, 2013, he was scheduled to be the chief guest at Buganda’s 20th coronation anniversary in Kampala. However, Museveni, who had previously skipped several coronation events, informed the organizers that he would attend, making it diplomatically difficult for Odinga to serve as chief guest. Odinga was ultimately acknowledged only as a guest.
Despite such setbacks, their relationship endured. On September 17, 2019, Odinga was invited to be the chief guest at the High-Level Inaugural PPP Conference in Kampala. Ugandan officials reportedly attempted to block the event, claiming it was organized by private individuals misusing the government’s name. Odinga attended regardless and criticized those trying to sabotage the event.
Museveni responded, saying, “God forgive those who were sabotaging the event. Please, don’t send them to hell. Forgive them, Lord. They will repent.” The then State Minister of Finance later apologized on behalf of his superior.
Shared Visions and Regional Integration
After the conference, Odinga met Museveni to discuss boosting agricultural production using phosphate deposits in Uganda’s Tororo District. The project was slated to begin implementation in 2025.
Odinga continued to make private visits to Museveni. On May 19, 2022, he visited State House, Entebbe. Museveni later said they had discussed a wide range of bilateral issues.
On February 26, 2024, Odinga and Kenyan President William Ruto visited Museveni at his farm in Gomba District. Odinga stated that the meeting focused on deepening regional integration within the East African Community and his candidacy for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Museveni reportedly endorsed his bid, although Odinga ultimately lost the election.
Tributes to Odinga
Following Odinga's passing, numerous figures offered tributes, highlighting his contributions to Kenya and the broader African continent:
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Anita Among, House Speaker: "We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Kenya as we mourn the loss of a leader whose influence reached far beyond the country’s borders, inspiring the entire African continent..."
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Joel Ssenyonyi, LoP: "... A man so huge a figure, not just in Kenya, but Africa at large. Odinga fought for Kenya’s democracy for most of his life. Though he didn’t become President, his contribution to the struggle is indelible."
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Robert Kyagulanyi, NUP president: "... He stood tall for freedom, liberty, and dignity. In him, we have lost a great statesman - an African giant, who did his best for humanity amid great adversity. May his soul rest in peace."
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Rebecca Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda: "Condolences to Mrs Ida Odinga, faithful wife and friend, in times of stress, imprisonment, freedom, activism and happiness. He leaves a legacy."
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Charles Peter Mayiga, Prime Minister of Buganda Kingdom: "... The Odinga family has had a long and close relationship with Buganda’s Royal Family, Raila Odinga contributed significantly to Kenya’s political processes and constitutional development..."
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Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker: "He was selfless in advancing the interests of Kenyans and the region at large; promoting peace, development, and good diplomatic relations. I extend my sincere condolences to Raila’s family, and Kenya."
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Mike Makula, former NRM vice chairperson, eastern region: "I am deeply saddened and confirm that he rested this morning at about 6:30am in India."
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Walid Mulindwa Lubega, FDC Deputy Secretary for Publicity: "As we mourn Raila Odinga, a colossus of Kenyan politics, we choose to celebrate his monumental contributions to Kenya, East Africa and Africa as whole, rather than mourn his death."
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Joyce Bagala, Woman MP of Mityana: "The President that never was! A fallen political general, Raila Amolo Odinga, will undoubtedly be remembered as a giant of a politician who truly understood the concept of power and its dynamics."
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