Tribute from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST)
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology joins the nation in paying tribute to one of Kenya’s most distinguished statesmen, the late Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga whose passing away in India marks the end of an era in our nation’s political and social history. Over time, Raila became associated with courage, resilience, and a commitment to the ideals of freedom, equity, and progress that continue to shape our Republic.
Born in Maseno in 1945, Raila Odinga was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President and the icon our University was named after. This is why we at JOOUST feel a deep connection to his legacy, which emphasizes education, social justice, and national change. From his youth, Raila embodied the values of education, integrity, and service to humanity. He began his education at Maranda and was later to join the prestigious Magdeburg Technical University in Germany where he graduated with a Diplom (Master of Science degree) in Mechanical Engineering in 1970. Returning home, he excelled as an engineer and lectured at the University of Nairobi. His work as an engineer, both at university and beyond, reflected his lifelong belief in building not only infrastructure and industry, but also communities and institutions that empower people and strengthen nations.
Raila Odinga’s journey from technocrat to reformist was driven by conviction and bravery. As a key figure in Kenya’s second liberation, he faced imprisonment, exile, and political persecution under a one-party system but never wavered in his fight for a freer democratic Kenya. His sacrifices, including years spent in detention without trial, inspired many and helped bring back multi-party democracy in the early 1990s. Through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and other reform efforts, he embodied justice and inclusion, consistently challenging inequality and envisioning a Kenya where every citizen can live with dignity.
Raila Odinga demonstrated remarkable leadership in public office, particularly during his tenure as Kenya’s second Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 when he served in the Grand Coalition Government with President Mwai Kibaki. He gained the admirable reputation of sacrificing his ambitions for the national good during periods of intense national division. His vision for Kenya led to significant governance reforms, infrastructure improvements, and the historic promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, which culminated in reshaping Kenya’s governance, devolution, and commitment to social justice.
Beyond the Kenyan space, Raila Odinga was a celebrated Pan-Africanist. As the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, he advocated for continental integration and sustainable development. He consistently pushed for a united Africa, rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity, particularly during his campaign for African Union Chairmanship. His eloquence, intellect, and unwavering defense of African dignity earned him regional and worldwide admiration.
To millions in Kenya and beyond, Raila Odinga, affectionately known as “Baba,” was more than just a political leader. He symbolized hope, fortitude, and national unity. His humility, charisma, and compassion for ordinary citizens attracted people from all backgrounds and communities of Kenya. Whether speaking with students and youth, addressing a rally anywhere in Kenya, or presenting on the global stage, Raila communicated a vision of unity, fairness, and shared purpose that continues to motivate generations.
At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, we honor Raila Odinga not only as a leading political figure but also as a man of knowledge and ideas. His belief in education as a key to empowerment aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture innovation, critical thinking, and transformative leadership. He embodied the spirit of service, believing that knowledge should lead to action and that true leadership is measured by its impact on people’s lives.
As Kenya lowers its flags and remembers his tremendous contributions, we, the JOOUST community, reflect on a son of Siaya, a visionary for Kenya, and a statesman of Africa. As is the case with all humans, his life had its challenges, but he held fast to his principles: dialogue over division, vision over revenge, and justice over convenience. He dreamed of a Kenya at peace with itself, thriving in diversity, and leading Africa toward a brighter future.
A special mention must be made of Raila Odinga’s strong support for education and development that greatly impacted our university and community. His generosity, vision, and commitment to helping future generations built a solid foundation for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. His contributions—from donating the Achiego Community land that now houses our tuition facilities, to permitting us to use his father’s notable name, to securing resources that revived halted projects—are testimony to his lifelong belief in the power of knowledge. By presiding over the launch of the Nuclear Energy and Power Feasibility Project in Siaya County and committing to create the Department of Geology and Mining at our University, he demonstrated lasting faith in science, innovation, and the vast potential of young minds. The JOOUST community will always honour the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga as a true friend of education, a forward-thinking leader, and a source of hope whose legacy will inspire future generations.
We mourn deeply but proudly, for in Raila Amolo Odinga, we saw the embodiment of our nation’s struggle and spirit – he always sought to build bridges, working towards a Kenya for all in its diversity. He ushered everyone into a broad-based government to guarantee peace and inclusion. May his legacy of courage, sacrifice, and hope continue to guide our nation and inspire generations to come.
Rest in eternal peace BABA. Your light will forever shine across this Republic; at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, your name will always be honored among those who dared to dream and transform Kenya.
Prof. Emily A. Akuno, PhD, OGW.
Vice Chancellor
JOOUST
