Raila Odinga: 5 Ways ‘Baba’ Turned Football into Force for Peace

Kenyan football will forever remember Raila Amollo Odinga as more than a political icon — he was a man who used the beautiful game to build bridges, inspire pride, and bring a divided nation together. 

Fondly known as Agwambo, Tinga, or Baba, the former Prime Minister’s love for football was deep, personal, and transformative. For Raila, football was not just a sport; it was a tool for unity and a reflection of Kenya’s shared spirit.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Throughout his life, Raila blended leadership and passion to elevate the game. Whether cheering at Kasarani, donating to Gor Mahia, or motivating Harambee Stars, he saw football as a space where Kenyans could come together beyond politics or tribe. His legacy on the pitch and in the stands remains one of inclusivity, pride, and national connection.

Pulse Sports looks at five ways Raila Odinga united Kenya through football — a story that shows how one man’s love for the game strengthened an entire nation.

Raila Odinga’s passion for the national team was unmatched. He never missed the chance to rally behind Harambee Stars, calling on fans to support their own. His presence at matches — whether during friendlies or international tournaments — made football a national affair, not just a sporting event.

When Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania co-hosted the 2025 CHAN tournament, Raila’s energy in the stands electrified fans. After Kenya’s 1–0 win over Zambia, he rewarded every player with KSh 500,000, reminding them that they carried the hopes of millions. It was more than generosity; it was his way of saying that their victory belonged to all Kenyans.

His unwavering support for Harambee Stars helped rekindle national unity through shared pride. For Raila, every match was a moment to show that Kenya’s greatest victories come when its people play as one team.

Being Gor Mahia’s longtime patron, Raila Odinga transformed the club into a symbol of hope and inclusivity. Though the team has deep roots in Luo culture, Raila worked tirelessly to make K’Ogalo a club for all Kenyans. Under his guidance, Gor Mahia’s success became a point of national celebration, not regional rivalry.

He financially supported the club for decades — from million-shilling donations to grassroots initiatives like the Gor Mahia Bread project and the Gor Mahia SACCO. These projects linked fans, players, and communities, proving that football could create real economic empowerment.

Raila’s words often reminded supporters that Gor Mahia’s victories represented Kenya’s footballing spirit. In his hands, the green jersey became a symbol of unity and passion — not division.

Raila understood that politics could divide, but football united. He often attended matches side-by-side with political rivals, including President William Ruto, to show Kenyans that sports could transcend political lines. The image of the two leaders cheering Harambee Stars together spoke louder than any campaign speech.

He also played football himself, turning out for Luo Union in his youth and later for the Parliamentary team, Bunge FC. On the field, he was just another teammate — not a politician. Fans from all sides of the political divide would chant “Achana na Baba!” whenever he touched the ball, proof of the affection he commanded beyond politics.

Through football, Raila built camaraderie and trust across party lines. He proved that while politics may separate leaders, the love of the game could always bring Kenyans together.

In 2012, as Prime Minister, Raila boldly announced Kenya’s bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games — a vision rooted in unity and national pride. Though the plan didn’t materialize, it inspired a generation to dream of global recognition. He often reminded Kenyans that “no country in Africa has won more Olympic medals than Kenya,” emphasizing that hosting the Games was not an ambition, but a right.

He believed that investing in sports infrastructure could transform communities, create jobs, and unite citizens. His advocacy for stadium construction and youth programs was part of a broader vision to make sports a national unifier.

By pushing for Kenya’s place on the global stage, Raila united athletes, fans, and leaders under one banner — belief in the country’s potential.

Raila Odinga’s connection to football was not performative — it was lifelong. From cheering Gor Mahia to mentoring stars like Michael Olunga and Victor Wanyama, he lived and breathed the sport. Even his choice of team — Arsenal — reflected his belief in persistence, flair, and teamwork.

His influence went beyond stadiums. The Homa Bay Stadium named in his honour stands as a permanent reminder of his impact on Kenyan football. Every cheer in that arena echoes his vision of unity through the game.

When the final whistle blew on Raila’s life, Kenya lost not only a reformist and statesman but also a unifier who believed football could heal the nation. His dream was simple — that Kenyans, no matter their background, would always stand together under one flag and one team.