Raila Odinga’s personal driver, Eric Ominde, has shared moments of his demanding career that led to him missing special moments with his family while serving as Raila Odinga’s designated driver.
Speaking in an interview with a local media house on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the former prime minister’s driver, the late Raila Odinga, revealed details of how demanding his work was.
According to Eric Ominde, who served as Raila’s driver since his days as the Minister of Roads, he has never been present during his children’s births due to the nature of his job as Raila’s driver.
“Mimi, watoto wangu wote wamezaliwa kama mimi siko nyumbani; mimi huwa nawakuta kwa nyumba,” Ominde recalled.
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On the other hand, the driver also shared emotional reflections of courage, loyalty, and danger during their time together. Ominde said his journey began when Raila personally called him to join his convoy.
“He told me, ‘I want you to stay with me,’ and from there he started teaching me the work,” Ominde said while further adding, “He relied on me a lot because we travelled together everywhere. We agreed that we would stand by each other and keep going.”
Ominde recalled the tense and often violent moments they endured during protests and political unrest. He described how tear gas, water cannons, and chaos became part of their daily routine as they navigated through crowds to keep Raila safe.
“We started our journey together as driver and leader. I would sneak him through the city, and even when I was being beaten or caught in tear gas, he would tell me, ‘Do not be afraid’,” Ominde said.
He admitted that those experiences tested his strength and resilience but also brought him closer to the man he served.
“There were times when everything felt out of control, but Raila never showed fear. Seeing his courage gave me courage too,” he said.
Ominde recalled driving Raila to major events, including rallies and symbolic gatherings like those at Uhuru Park.
“I drove him from his home in Karen to Uhuru Park. We did what needed to be done and finished successfully,” he said.
Raila’s memory
Ominde said Raila’s humility was one of his most remarkable traits.
“One day, he looked back and said, ‘This young man, I have come a long way with him.’ He told his lawyer that I was part of his journey, and I was called back again. That moment will stay with me forever,” Ominde said.
He added that Raila’s kindness extended beyond work. “It was not just me; even my children benefited from his generosity. He treated us like family,” he said.
