Kenya is mourning the death of longtime opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who has died while receiving treatment in Kochi, India. He was 80 years old.
Sources close to the Odinga family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) confirmed that Raila passed away early Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest. Medical personnel at Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam reportedly pronounced him dead shortly after arrival.
Odinga had been in India for several weeks undergoing medical care. Family members, including his wife Ida Odinga, were by his side.
President William Ruto has led the nation in mourning, describing Odinga as “a towering statesman whose struggle for democracy changed Kenya forever.” The government is expected to announce official funeral arrangements in the coming days.
Born in 1945 in Maseno, Kisumu County, Raila Odinga was the son of Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Over the decades, Raila became a symbol of reform and resistance, playing a key role in the fight for multi-party democracy, constitutional change, and social justice.
He served as Prime Minister in the Grand Coalition Government from 2008 to 2013 following the disputed 2007 election. Despite multiple presidential bids in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 he never ascended to the presidency, but his influence remained unmatched.
In 2018, his surprise “Handshake” with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta marked a turning point in national politics, helping ease tensions after months of division.
Across the country, tributes continue to pour in from political leaders, foreign governments, and citizens who viewed Raila as a steadfast champion of democracy and justice.
As the nation comes to terms with the loss, thousands are expected to gather at Orange House in Nairobi and Kang’o Kajaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, to pay their respects.
Rest in Peace, Baba. Kenya mourns a legend.
