During the 2022 general elections, Raila Odinga of the ODM and Azimio coalition ran one of the most costly campaigns in Kenya’s electoral history, with financial experts estimating that his presidential budget may have surpassed Ksh 10 billion.
A critical question arises regarding the sources of this funding: Did Mr Odinga use his wealth, receive assistance from friends, accept contributions from the Kenyatta family, or leverage state resources?
In contrast, Raila’s main competitor, then-Deputy President William Ruto, led a well-organized campaign supported by billions from friends and personal finances. While Ruto’s financial backing is well-documented, the origins of Raila’s campaign funds remain less clear.
Following Raila’s unexpected endorsement of the Adani Group for their role in multi-billion shilling infrastructure projects in Kenya, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has claimed that the Adani Group financed Raila’s presidential campaign. During a live television segment, Maanzo discussed Raila’s advocacy for a partnership between Adani and the Kenyan government through a Public-Private Partnership, suggesting that Adani’s funding influenced Raila’s defence of the group amid public protests.
Senator Maanzo further alleged that Raila’s proposal to appoint Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi was part of a strategy to obscure any agreement among the parties involved, arguing this was a key reason for Raila’s acknowledgement of Adani’s capability to fulfil the proposed partnership.
There are also speculations that Raila may have drawn on the broader resources of the Oginga Odinga family. However, this idea has been dismissed, as the family is mainly associated with a single company, Spectre International, which lacks the financial capacity to support a presidential campaign.
Another theory posits that the Kenyatta family made significant contributions to financing the Azimio campaign. Analysts suggest that former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his family may have invested billions, accounting for roughly 30% of the estimated Ksh 10 billion budget.
Additionally, there are indications that Raila’s campaign received financial support from international allies, as he is known to maintain strong connections with wealthy entrepreneurs, political figures, and former heads of state globally.
