Raila Odinga was detained without trial twice during the Moi era, spending nearly seven years in prison for his political activism. His first detention came in 1982 following the failed coup attempt, when he was accused of involvement despite denying the charges. He spent six years at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison before being released in 1988. During this time, he was subjected to solitary confinement and poor conditions. Shortly after his release, he was detained again in 1989 for nine months for continuing his political activities. His detentions made him a symbol of resistance against authoritarian rule and helped build his political profile. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations campaigned for his release. After his final release in 1989, Raila became increasingly prominent in the multiparty democracy movement and has been a central figure in Kenyan opposition politics ever since.
See Also
Raila Odinga Raila Odinga Moi Detention Policy
Sources
- Raila Odinga. 'The Flame of Freedom.' Mountain Top Publishers, 2013.
- Amnesty International reports, 1980s.
- Branch, Daniel. 'Kenya: Between Hope and Despair, 1963-2011.' Yale University Press, 2011.