The death of Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s long-standing opposition leader and former Prime Minister, marks the end of an era. His generation fought to define the meaning of democracy in Kenya. Dubbed the father of democracy, his legacy extends beyond political contestation. It lives in the institutions, policies, and civic consciousness that have come to shape Kenya’s governance. His passing invites the nation to pause and reflect not merely on his political victories or defeats, but on how democracy itself has influenced the policymaking process in Kenya.

Kenya’s democratic journey has been lengthy and uneven. Raila’s detention in the 1980s for opposing one-party rule symbolised a struggle for freedom of thought and association. These are freedoms that today form the foundation of Kenya’s policy framework. The shift to multiparty democracy in 1991 was more than just a political change; it redefined the way public policy would be conceived moving forward.

Under an autocratic system, policymaking was centralised, opaque, and predominantly top-down. The democratic transition created space for pluralism, consultation, and citizen participation. The 2010 Constitution, arguably the most significant policy achievement of the democratic struggle, solidified this by requiring public participation as a fundamental aspect of policymaking. Today, every bill tabled in Parliament, every budget proposal, and every development plan must undergo a process of public scrutiny.

While this principle occasionally slows decision-making, it represents the maturing of a democratic ideal into a practical policy. For example, the Finance Bill, 2024, debates demonstrated an energised citizenry engaging in fiscal policy through petitions, online campaigns, and public hearings. Although contentious, this process reflected democracy in action.

Perhaps, no single policy reform better embodies the fusion of democracy and policymaking than devolution. Long championed by Raila Odinga, devolution was not merely a technical redistribution of resources. It was a democratic promise to draw governance closer to the people.

Yet democracy’s impact on policymaking has not been without contradictions. Kenya’s highly competitive electoral politics often transform policy debates into political battles. The democratic space that enables participation also breeds popular, short-term promises to please voters. While democracy opens the space for broad consultation, it also makes the process vulnerable to elite capture and political theatrics.

Kenya’s democratic evolution has also strengthened civil society as a policy actor. Organisations such as the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), and International Budget Partnership (IBP) have leveraged democratic freedoms to engage in evidence-based advocacy. Such institutions have played crucial roles in shaping legislative outcomes. Their ability to critique, propose, and mobilise policy dialogue is a direct result of democratic openness. Similarly, youth-led movements such as #OccupyParliament and #RejectFinanceBill2024 have used digital platforms to influence public opinion and legislative agendas, demonstrating how democracy continues to redefine who gets to speak in the policy process.

As Kenya mourns Raila Odinga, we must also consider whether democracy has delivered on its promises. The answer lies somewhere between hope and reality. Democracy has undoubtedly made policymaking more inclusive, transparent, and accountable. However, it remains fragile, susceptible to politicisation, corruption, and disparities in voice and influence. The challenge for Kenya’s future leaders is to deepen democracy not merely as a political system but as a comprehensive policy framework. One that values evidence over emotion, inclusivity over identity, and continuity over cycles of political change. Enhancing think tanks, investing in civic education, and depoliticising key institutions like the judiciary will be vital steps in this journey.

Raila’s legacy is deeply woven into Kenya’s democratic history. His life’s work enabled citizens to question, engage, and influence the policies that affect them. As the nation mourns his passing, it must also renew its commitment to the democratic principles he exemplified. Democracy is not solely the domain of the powerful but is the right and duty of all Kenyans. At its best, democracy transforms the voices of the people into national policy. Perhaps this is the most genuine tribute Kenya can pay to its father of democracy.