President William Ruto’s advisor and Chairperson of the Victims Compensation panel Professor Makau Mutua has cautioned against the idea that anyone can easily step into the shoes of the late Raila Odinga, saying his political stature was built over a lifetime of struggle and resilience.
Speaking through a statement on X, Mutua insisted that leadership of Odinga’s magnitude cannot be inherited or reproduced instantly.
He said those hoping to reach the same level of influence must commit themselves to the same journey of endurance and sacrifice.
“No one — and I mean nobody — can or will inherit Raila Odinga. Those who aspire to his stature will have to work as hard as he did — and for as long — to become towering political figures. Great leadership isn’t ginned up as if in a microwave," he wrote.
His remarks come weeks after the death of Raila Odinga in India on October 15, an event that left the country reflecting on his decades-long contribution to Kenya’s democracy and political transformation.
Raila’s passing has also opened conversations within ODM and Azimio about who might carry forward his reformist vision.
For over three decades, Raila was seen as a unifying and defiant voice who consistently challenged the establishment and championed democratic reforms.
His political career, marked by imprisonment, exile, and tireless activism, cemented him as one of Kenya’s most influential leaders.
Mutua’s statement appeared to be a broader reflection on leadership, highlighting the patience, vision, and resilience required to achieve political greatness.
His words serve as both a tribute to Raila’s legacy and a warning to those who may view succession as an opportunity for quick political elevation.