Former Raila Odinga spokesperson Dennis Onyango has shared his views on what he believes was one of the biggest weaknesses that hindered the ODM leader's quest for the presidency over the years.
Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Sunday, June 7, 2026, Onyango reflected on Raila Odinga's political journey and the factors he believes contributed to the veteran politician's repeated defeats in presidential contests.
According to Onyango, Raila strongly believed that Kenya could independently determine its political future without significant influence from external actors. However, he argued that this conviction may have led the former Prime Minister to underestimate the role played by the international community in shaping political outcomes.
Onyango said Raila consistently championed Kenya's sovereignty and the right of citizens to determine their own destiny, but suggested that the realities of international diplomacy and geopolitical interests were often more influential than many acknowledged.
“I think Raila Odinga won in 2007, even though I was not working for him then. I think he won,” Onyango said during the interview.
The former spokesperson indicated that Raila's approach was rooted in a belief that electoral outcomes should be determined solely by the will of the Kenyan people, a position he said may have overlooked the broader international dynamics that often accompany major political transitions.
Raila Odinga remains one of Kenya's most influential political figures, having contested the presidency multiple times and played a central role in shaping the country's democratic and governance reforms over several decades.
Onyango's remarks are likely to reignite debate about Kenya's electoral history, the role of international actors in domestic politics, and the factors that have influenced presidential elections over the years.
The comments come as political leaders and analysts continue to assess Raila's legacy and his impact on Kenya's political development following decades of opposition leadership and reform advocacy.
