Erick Ominde, Raila Odinga's driver for 24 years, has opened up about major events he witnessed, including Raila's 2018 swearing-in as 'People's President' and 2023 protests. He recalled tense journeys and dangers, but Raila urged him to be brave. Today, Ominde works at State House, yet memories of history remain with him.
On January 30, 2018, Erick Ominde received instructions to drive Raila Odinga to Uhuru Park, where thousands of supporters gathered to witness his swearing-in as 'People's President.' 'It was a tough journey. No one knew what would happen. There were threats of arrest. It felt like traveling toward history, or danger,' Ominde recalls. They traveled via Ngong Road to Kenyatta Avenue, defying police warnings.
From inside the car, Ominde watched Raila raise the Bible and take the oath. 'I was filled with fear, but Raila told me, ‘Be brave, Erick. Everything will be fine.’ Those words gave me calm,' he says. Afterward, they departed under heavy security via secret routes: Kenyatta Avenue, Valley Road, Upper Hill to Karen.
Five years later, in March 2023, during protests against President William Ruto's government, Ominde found himself driving amid tear gas smoke again. 'That day Raila poured water on my head and told me, ‘Be brave.’ I floored the accelerator and passed through the smoke and chaos,' he says.
Ominde, 43, from Miwani, Kisumu, met Raila through his friend, Dr. Odongo Odiyo, when Raila was Minister of Roads, Public Works and Housing (2003–2005). He has been with him for 24 years, witnessing victories, the 2007 post-election violence, and Raila as Prime Minister in 2008. Raila refused to replace Ominde despite pressure and helped his family.
He was taught all Nairobi shortcuts and long trips, like to Rwanda via Uganda. After Raila's 2024 political alliance with Ruto, Ominde now drives for State House in Nairobi. 'Baba taught me one important thing: in life, if you get stuck, find another way,' he says.