The Day Raila Odinga Escaped Death Disguised as a Catholic Priest

In October 1991, Kenya’s democracy stood on a knife’s edge. Former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga narrowly escaped what intelligence sources described as a planned execution by the government of the day. According to accounts, a U.S. embassy official, Allan Eastham, privately warned Raila that an arrest was imminent not an ordinary one, but one intended to cause him bodily harm or death. That night, police raided Raila’s office at Agip House, narrowly missing him after he had slipped into lawyer James Orengo’s office within the same building. 

A team of lawyers, including Martha Karua, quickly intervened, forcing the officers to retreat. Fearing for his safety, allies Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o and Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi helped move Raila from house to house as state security agents intensified the manhunt. Eventually, with the help of the Catholic Church, a white nun, and Father Opiyo, Raila was smuggled out of Nairobi disguised as a Catholic priest. 

His beard was shaved, sunglasses fixed, and his new identity became Father Augustine from Machakos. He safely made his way through police roadblocks to Kisumu, then to Olago Beach, where he was ferried across Lake Victoria under the cover of night into Uganda. There, Raila lived in hiding under UNHCR’s protection as the Kenyan government sent special officers to track him down. 

 This daring escape remains one of the most dramatic and defining moments in Raila Odinga’s political life a story of courage, faith, and the high price of fighting for democracy.

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Biography

Raila Odinga was a Kenyan politician who served as the Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013. He was a key figure in Kenyan politics for decades, known for his advocacy for democracy, social justice, and national unity. 

Here's a brief overview of his life and career: 

 *Early Life and Education* 

 Raila Odinga was born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kenya. His father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was Kenya's first Vice President after independence in 1963. Raila was educated at Maranda High School and later studied engineering in East Germany. 

 *Political Career* 

Odinga's political career spanned over five decades, during which he Served as a Member of Parliament for Langata Constituency from 1992 to 2013 - Ran for the presidency five times (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022), but lost each time, alleging electoral fraud - Became Prime Minister in 2008 after a power-sharing agreement with President Mwai Kibaki - Served as the African Union's High Representative for Infrastructure Development from 2018 to 2023 

 *Legacy and Impact* 

Raila Odinga was a polarizing figure, adored by many for his pro-poor policies and advocacy for democracy, but also criticized for his role in inciting violence during elections and protests. Some notable achievements and controversies include  - Playing a key role in Kenya's transition to multiparty democracy - Advocating for devolution and social protection programs - Supporting the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution - Inciting violence during the 2007 post-election crisis, which led to over 1,300 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced - Being implicated in scandals, including the 2008 maize scandal and the 2019 fake gold scam 

 *Personal Life and Death* 

Raila Odinga passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80, while undergoing treatment in India. He died from cardiac arrest during a morning walk. His family and colleagues remember him as a champion of democracy and social justice.