Few figures in Kenya’s political history have inspired as much admiration, controversy, and curiosity as Raila Odinga. Loved, feared, and endlessly analyzed, he remains the puzzle that every election tries, and fails, to solve. Table of Contents The making of the enigma Born into power but schooled in rebellion Opposition firebrand and constitutional reformer Perennial presidential candidate Master of handshake politics Handshakes as crisis management and self‑preservation Ho