Inside the Car with Raila: Erick Ominde on 24 Years of Service and Historic Moments

Erick Ominde was behind the wheel on 30 January 2018 when Raila Odinga declared himself the “People’s President” at Uhuru Park.

At the time, Ominde was 36 years old and had already spent years navigating high-stakes political events. “Nobody was sure what would happen. There were threats of arrest. It felt like we were driving into history or danger,” he said during an interview at Mr Odinga’s Opoda Farm in Bondo. 

His calm demeanour, tested in previous crises, proved essential once again.

Driving through Ngong Road and Kenyatta Avenue, surrounded by crowds, Ominde remained focused as Raila took the controversial oath. 

“I was shaking. But Raila told me, ‘Be strong, Erick. Everything will be alright.’ That calmed me,” he recalled. 

Moments later, with reports of police units nearby, Ominde discreetly guided Raila out of Uhuru Park, navigating through Upper Hill and on to Karen, a route shaped by instinct and experience.

A Career Built on Trust and Risk

Ominde’s professional life has closely followed Odinga’s political journey. Now 43, he has served as Odinga’s driver for 24 years, from his time as Minister for Roads and Prime Minister, through opposition campaigns and mass demonstrations.

Born in Miwani, Kisumu County, Ominde was introduced to Odinga by Dr Odongo Odiyo, a trusted associate of the opposition leader. 

“Dr Odiyo said Raila needed someone disciplined and calm under pressure,” Ominde said. “When I met him, he looked at me and said, ‘You’ll drive me.’ That was it.”

Since then, Ominde has been more than a driver. His responsibilities have included managing security risks, anticipating crowd movements and responding quickly to volatile situations.

“There’s Always Another Way”

Raila, known for his detailed knowledge of Nairobi’s road network, often trained Ominde in alternative routes. “He taught me all the back roads,” Ominde said. “‘When the road is blocked, there’s always another way,’ he’d say.” The phrase became a guiding principle for both men.

Following the disputed 2007 election, Ominde’s role became increasingly dangerous. During the 2008 coalition talks, some officials suggested Raila should appoint an official government driver. Raila refused. “He told them, ‘This is my driver. I won’t let him go,’ Ominde said.

Their relationship extended beyond work. Raila regularly asked about Ominde’s family and once helped secure employment for his wife. “He cared deeply for the people around him,” Ominde said. “Before every trip, he’d ask, ‘Have you eaten?’”

Navigating Unrest and Uncertainty

Ominde’s duties have placed him at the centre of major political events. During the 2023 and 2024 protests against President William Ruto’s administration, he again faced tear gas and roadblocks. 

“That day, Raila poured water on my head and said, ‘Be strong,’” he said. “We drove through smoke and confusion, but we made it.”

The job required endurance and discretion. Campaign periods often involved long hours and overnight travel. Working with fellow driver Philip Juma, Ominde helped coordinate a transport system that ensured vehicles were always ready, whether Raila travelled by road or air. “We ran it like a military unit,” he said.

His work has also taken him across borders. He recalled a road trip through Uganda to Rwanda, where Raila chose to travel by land. 

“He told me stories about Africa’s liberation struggles,” Ominde said. “It felt like travelling with a history book.”