Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025, in India while receiving treatment, was one of Kenya’s most influential and respected political leaders.
Coming from the Luo community, he built a reputation that went far beyond politics, shaping Kenya’s democracy and economic growth in many ways.
He was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President, who also played a major role in the country’s early political history before his death in 1994.
Raila’s leadership journey and his family’s legacy have remained deeply rooted in Kenya’s story for decades.
Over the years, Raila Odinga’s family has become known not only for political influence but also for business success.
The Odinga family owns a wide range of properties and investments across Kenya and the region.
Much of this wealth was built from Raila’s long career in government, where he held senior positions, and from wise investments in sectors such as real estate, agriculture, and energy. His financial portfolio reflected years of hard work and vision, both in public service and private enterprise.
Among his notable ventures was Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, where he practiced large-scale maize farming and livestock rearing.
Agriculture remained one of his long-term passions, and he often spoke about the importance of farming in improving local livelihoods. The farm became not only a source of income but also a symbol of his belief in self-reliance and rural development.
The Odinga family also ventured into real estate, with one of the most ambitious projects being the LV Marina development in Kisumu. This project, announced earlier in 2025, represents a major partnership between the Odinga family and GulfCap Real Estate.
Valued at about Sh120 billion, the development is designed to transform Kisumu’s lakeside landscape and attract both local and international investors.
The LV Marina project will feature luxury waterfront villas, modern apartments, and social amenities such as hospitals, schools, and hotels. It also includes plans for business spaces, retail centers, and light industrial parks, all within a 285-acre piece of land that once hosted the Odinga family’s molasses plant.
The site holds historical value, making the new project both an economic and symbolic transformation for the region.
According to GulfCap Real Estate CEO Chris Ochieng, the development will be located just five minutes from Kisumu International Airport and will also include 1,200 affordable housing units to support local residents.
This balance between luxury and affordability shows a broader vision to uplift the city’s economy while addressing housing needs.
Through such initiatives, Raila Odinga’s influence continues to be felt even after his passing.
His contributions to both politics and business have left a deep mark on Kenya, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered for generations.
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