A proud descendent of a Kenyan Community Legend

Persistance, courage and determination are attributes that run deep through his veins. He is a born fighter, descended from a long lineage of warriors and kings. His great-grandfather, Ogonga K'odima became a lagend in the Luo tribe for killing an elephant single-handed, and the spear the old man used now hangs proudly in a family collection.

Born into politics, destined to lead

The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, born in 1945, was exposed to politics from birth as his father, a prosperous businessman and a leader of the Luo Tribe, gave up Leadership (Ker) to become an outspoken leader in Kenya's independence movement. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga became the country's first Vice President until he quit government and launched an opposition party.

Knowing both sides of the world

The resulting backlash forced the young Raila Odinga to leave home at 15 to pursue his high school education in East Germany. He returned to Kenya in 1970 with a Masters degree in mechanical engineering. But more than that he brought into Kenya his experience of life on both sides of the Berlin Wall. His knowledge served him well as he immersed himself into Kenyan politics upon his return.

A kaleidoscopic past of politics and prison

He holds strong opinions of how Kenya should be administered and never failed to express his views for which he was arrested, tortured and imprisoned. But his incarceration of eight years, if anything, has only made him stronger, more resolute and purposeful.

A fearless leader seeking to unite all Kenyans

His courage and relentless pursuit of his ideals has made him the first Prime Minister of Kenya. This was a position that was specially created in 2008 as part of a power-sharing agreement between two opposing political parties. The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga is hugely popular with all of Kenya's 42-odd tribes. He constantly visits them, listening to their concerns and works to build a sense of national identity, beyond local and ethic loyalties. He surrounds himself with people from across the tribal spectrum employed in various capacities to assist him.

Charismatic and visionary, eager to create a dynamic economy

His vision is now set upon the future of Kenya. He seeks to improve the nation's infrastructure, human resource base, employment, housing, income generation leading to wealth creation among a host of other challenges faced by the nation. Fearless in the way he carries out his tasks the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga is a man determined to transform his people and he has set in motion plans that he hopes will achieve all that he desires for Kenya in the future.

The Limkokwing University of Creative Technology pays tribute to Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, one of Africa's fearless sons, through the conferment of the Doctorate of Leadership in Social Development.