Raila Odinga's Lasting Legacy: A Trained Politician Credits Him for Becoming Kisauni MP

Raila Odinga's influence on shaping Kenya's politics extends beyond his tenure as Prime Minister. He identified and mentored numerous young politicians, including Kisauni Member of Parliament Rashid Bedzimba. Bedzimba's journey, which began over 35 years ago as a General Service Unit officer guarding Odinga in Naivasha Maximum Prison, serves as a testament to Odinga's impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Rashid Bedzimba, a second-term Kisauni MP, was inspired and mentored by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to join politics.
• Bedzimba guarded Odinga in Naivasha Maximum Prison after the 1982 coup and was exposed to Odinga's freedom mantras, which inspired him to consider a career in politics.
• Bedzimba joined Mr. Odinga's team in 2002 and was later nominated as a councilor in the Mombasa Municipal Council due to Odinga's mentorship.
• Bedzimba credits Odinga with holding his hand and mentoring him throughout his political career, including his election as Kisauni MP in 2013 and again in 2022.
• Bedzimba, a close ally of Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, has credited Odinga's character and legacy as a motivating factor in his decision to pursue a career in politics.
• Odinga's death is seen as a huge loss to the country and Africa, with many young politicians like Bedzimba mourning his passing and hoping to carry on his legacy.

Statistics:

• Over 35 years ago, Bedzimba was serving as a GSU officer in Naivasha Maximum Prison, where he first met Odinga.
• Bedzimba was inspired by Odinga's freedom mantras, which he sang in the prison.
• In 2002, Bedzimba joined Odinga's team as a security consultant, later becoming a councilor in the Mombasa Municipal Council.
• Bedzimba has been a Member of Parliament since 2013, with a notable five-year hiatus between 2017 and 2022.
• Bedzimba is credited with having vast interests in real estate and transport.

Sources:

• Kisauni Member of Parliament Rashid Bedzimba's personal accounts.