• Many cultures and religions undoubtedly believe curses to have real power. In this regard, curses can be executed in words, rituals, or symbols whereby they invoke spiritual forces, and the consequences are misfortunes for the cursed person.

The Oxford Dictionary defines a curse as a solemn utterance from one person to another intending to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment on them. Critics claim that Raila Odinga, a veteran politician in Kenya, is cursed and that it’s the reason he has lost five presidential contests in Kenya despite his presidential influence in the country.

Raila vied for the presidency in the general elections of 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022, and he lost in the five attempts. Raila tried his luck in the African Union Chair position in which elections were held on February 15, 2025, but still lost to Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, the Foreign Affairs Minister for Djibouti.

Historical ‘tales’ show that the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who was Raila Odinga’s father, cursed his son (Raila) after allegedly trying to wrest control of the Ford Kenya party from him. As it goes, Jaramogi felt betrayed by his blood, whom he expected would support him.

To date, some believe the alleged curse has shadowed Raila’s politics since then.

A curse is intended to bring harm or misfortune to someone. It is the opposite of a blessing that brings an individual flourishing and multiplication of life. The belief stems from several cultures and religions, with many believing them to have real power. In this regard, they can be executed in words, rituals, or symbols where they invoke spiritual forces and the consequences are misfortunes for the cursed person.

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Several verses in the bible clearly outline the consequences of a curse to the intended, especially that from parent to child. The bible verses below outline this aspect clearly;

Deuteronomy 27:16

'Cursed is the one who treats his father or mother contemptuously.' 'And all the people shall say, 'Amen!'

Proverbs 20:20

‘Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness.’

Deuteronomy 5: 16

'Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.’

Raila Odinga is a kingpin in Kenyan politics. Despite this, he has always sunk whenever he tried to rise politically, paving the way for his juniors. The current president of Kenya, His Excellency Dr William Ruto, was at one point Raila Odinga’s political mentee.

Despite the ‘curse’, Raila Odinga has remained a key figure in Kenya's politics. His political moves in Kenya and outside Kenya have greatly influenced the governance structures, showing that he is a giant in the political arena.

Whether the ‘curse’ is real or a myth remains a puzzle. Raila’s supporters hold him in high regard and see him as a resilient leader involved in the fight against systemic barriers and other vices in the country such as corruption.