By Correspondent
NAIROBI/KOCHI—Kenya and the world are in mourning following the death of former Prime Minister and long-serving opposition leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday morning in India at the age of 80. Odinga, a towering figure whose political activism indelibly shaped Kenya’s multiparty democracy, succumbed to a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at an Ayurvedic facility in Kochi, in the southern state of Kerala.
Odinga, affectionately known to his supporters as “Baba” (Father), was one of the most consequential figures in modern Kenyan history. He served as the country’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, a position created under a power-sharing agreement that ended the post-election violence of 2007.
His political career was defined by a relentless fight for democratic reform, which saw him endure years in detention and exile during the one-party rule era. Despite making five unsuccessful bids for the presidency, his commitment to justice and his ability to mobilize mass support ensured his enduring influence over the nation’s political trajectory. His recent political pact with President William Ruto, signaling a moment of unity, further demonstrated his capacity for reconciliation.
News of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief both at home and across the globe.
Current Kenyan President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning and announced that Odinga would be accorded a state funeral. In an address to the nation, President Ruto described his former rival as “a giant of democracy,” “a tireless warrior of good governance,” and “a unifier who sought peace and unity.”
Condolence messages have poured into Nairobi, directed to President Ruto and the Odinga family, from world leaders who recognized his impact beyond East Africa:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sadness, calling Odinga “a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India.” Modi noted Odinga’s special affection for India, particularly its traditional medicine systems, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter’s health.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said the loss was a tragedy “not just for Kenya, but for all of us,” praising him as a “global African” and a “solution-seeker.”
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who eventually became his political ally, called him “a father to the nation” whose legacy is “etched in the very fabric of our nation.”
The African Union Commission described him as “a steadfast champion of democracy, good governance, and people-centered development” whose commitment left an indelible mark across the continent.
Odinga had been a frequent visitor to the Kerala medical facility, which had successfully treated his daughter, Rosemary Odinga, for a condition that affected her eyesight in 2019. His death while receiving treatment in India highlights the strong ties between the two nations, even as Kenyans now prepare to repatriate the remains of one of their most celebrated, yet polarizing, political titans.
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