Raila: Why Kenyatta, Odinga Families are Not Political Dynasties

The Kenyatta and Odinga families are not political dynasties, Opposition leader Raila Odinga says.

Speaking during an interview with KTN TV, Raila says that claim that the two families are Kenya’s political dynasties is a misconception.

The Orange Democratic Movement leader explains that dynasties are unheard of in Africa as they mainly existed in medieval Europe and the Middle East.

“Dynasties used to exist in medieval Europe and the Middle East, but they never existed in Africa,” Raila notes.

Odinga asserts that the rise of the Kenyattas and Odingas in the Kenyan political scene is a result of hard work, patience, and resilience since both families came from humble backgrounds.

“If you take, for example, Jomo Kenyatta was from a very humble background. He died in the office when Uhuru was about 17 years. If it was a dynasty, Uhuru would have been crowned the prince,” Raila says.

“Jaramogi came from a very poor background. He was a teacher then resigned to become a businessman and later a freedom fighter. He became a Vice President for a short period before switching to the opposition,” adds Raila.

Raila says their fathers fought and endured a lot to achieve what they did just like their sons are doing now.

“How is Raila a beneficiary of the dynasty? Where does the dynasty come from? If anything else, the Odingas have given more than what they have gotten from society. It is a very tired subject.”