Evans Ouma, who served as Raila Odinga’s official photographer between 2015 and 2018, has shared touching memories of working closely with the late former Prime Minister.
Speaking to a local TV station on Sunday, October 26, 2025, Ouma painted an intimate picture of a leader he described as humble, generous, and deeply connected to ordinary Kenyans
Ouma recalled that Raila, fondly known as Jakom, was “a very welcoming and generous human being” who always showed compassion to those around him.
“Jakom was a man of the people. Whenever I went for campaigns with him, I always tried to capture his connection with the crowd, how his presence made people feel,” Ouma said.
He never did things for show
Ouma said Raila’s kindness often went unnoticed because he preferred to help others quietly. “Whenever he gave someone money or support, he never wanted pictures taken. He didn’t do it for show; he did it from the heart,” he said.
He described the 2017 general election campaigns as some of the most intense moments of his career. “That was one of the most electric campaigns I have ever covered. Photographing Jakom as a presidential candidate was a dream,” Ouma recalled.
Ouma said he and Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, had once organised a presidential portrait shoot at Capitol Hill. “We were prepared. That was supposed to be the official image,” he said.
He also recalled Raila’s jubilation after the Supreme Court nullified the 2017 presidential election results. “I had never seen him that happy. Jakom was fist-pumping, laughing, and hugging everyone, saying democracy has finally won,” Ouma said.
Ouma speaks on Raila’s courage
Ouma described Raila as courageous and fearless in the face of danger.
He recounted covering the former Prime Minister’s homecoming from the United Kingdom, which he termed “one of the most brutal assignments” he had ever done.
“The police were relentless with tear gas and water cannons, but he was never afraid. Even during protests, when the police blocked all roads, he remained calm and unshaken,” Ouma said.
He added that Raila’s confidence extended beyond politics. “He was even comfortable when flying. Turbulence never bothered him,” Ouma said with a smile.
The photographer also recalled the tense atmosphere around the mock swearing-in ceremony in 2018.
“We feared he would be arrested or even charged with treason. But he still went ahead. That showed how brave he was,” he said.
Ouma went on to share behind-the-scenes moments from the famous handshake between Raila and then-President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He said he received a text from Raila’s communications team asking him to report to the office early in the morning, but to tell no one about it.
“We drove quietly to the venue. No photos were allowed. They wanted to keep it secret to avoid a crowd forming outside. When it finally happened, there was a deep sense of relief, like peace had come at last,” he said.
After the handshake, Ouma continued working with Raila for several months and occasionally joined him on foreign trips, including a visit to South Sudan to meet President Salva Kiir.
In an emotional conclusion, Ouma said visiting Raila’s grave felt surreal.
“I went to his grave and took a picture. The writing was in the past tense. That is when it truly hit me that he was gone,” he said quietly.
Ouma’s reflections offered Kenyans a rare glimpse into the private side of Raila Odinga, a leader remembered not just for his politics, but for his humanity, humility, and indomitable spirit.
