By Our Reporter
The death of ODM leader Raila Odinga more than two weeks ago has triggered a sharp rise in sales of two books about his life, Raila Odinga: An Enigma in Kenyan Politics by Nigerian political scientist Babafemi A. Badejo, and his own autobiography, The Flame of Freedom.
According to sources in the publishing industry, sales of An Enigma in Kenyan Politics, which traces Kenya’s political evolution over six decades and Raila’s central role in it, had been modest until recently. However, publisher Yintab Books has been forced to produce multiple reprints to meet soaring demand following Raila’s death in India on 15 October. The book is available both online and in bookshops.
Similarly, The Flame of Freedom, co-authored with British editor and long-time associate Sarah Elderkin, has sold out in major bookstores, prompting reprints that have struggled to satisfy readers’ appetite. Retailing at KSh 4,890/- the autobiography chronicles Raila’s personal and political journey, mirroring Kenya’s long and often turbulent struggle to entrench multi-party democracy and the rule of law.
A leading publisher in Nairobi told The Weekly Vision that sales of both titles have “risen sharply over the past fortnight.” “The books are currently in very high demand. I am told they have been reprinted several times since Raila’s death,” he said.
Much of the renewed interest appears to come from younger Kenyans, particularly members of Generation Z, who are seeking to understand the late leader’s political ideals and lifelong battles for democracy and human rights.
While many Gen Zs admired Raila as a hero of Kenya’s second liberation, some grew disillusioned when he failed to fully back their protests against punitive tax measures in the Finance Bill 2024, opting instead to strike a political truce with President William Ruto.
Now, following his passing, the younger generation is re-examining his life and legacy, revisiting the story of a man whose political struggles, sacrifices, and reforms defined Kenya’s democratic journey.
