Kenya is mourning the death of one of its most influential and enduring political figures, Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in India. Family sources confirmed that Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, died on Wednesday after collapsing while walking with family members and his personal doctor. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Indian authorities reported that the sudden collapse occurred during a routine walk, marking a tragic end to a life that had been defined by political battles, national service, and relentless advocacy for democracy. In recent weeks, speculation about Odinga’s health had circulated widely, though his family and close allies consistently dismissed such reports. Since the announcement of his passing, condolences have been pouring in from across Africa and beyond, including messages from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and numerous global leaders who recognized Odinga’s towering influence on African politics.
Raila Odinga was a central figure in Kenya’s political landscape for more than four decades — a revolutionary, reformist, and freedom fighter whose name became synonymous with the nation’s struggle for democracy and social justice. He ran for the presidency five times without success, yet his campaigns transformed the country’s political discourse and mobilized millions of Kenyans across generations. Each of his election defeats was marred by controversy, and Odinga persistently maintained that his victories had been stolen through electoral malpractice.
His long and eventful political journey included moments of vindication. After the disputed 2017 general election, Kenya’s Supreme Court made a historic decision to annul the results that had declared Uhuru Kenyatta as the winner — a first in African history — affirming many of Odinga’s claims about irregularities in the electoral process. However, Odinga boycotted the repeat election, insisting on comprehensive electoral reforms before participating again.
Perhaps the most defining chapter of his career came after the 2007 general election, when Kenya was thrown into one of the darkest crises in its history. Odinga’s rejection of the results, which declared Mwai Kibaki as president, triggered widespread violence that left more than 1,200 people dead and displaced over 600,000 others. It was only after intense mediation led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that a power-sharing agreement was reached, creating a coalition government in which Odinga served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.
Known for his ability to bridge divides, Odinga repeatedly reconciled with his political rivals in the interest of national unity. After losing the 2022 presidential election to William Ruto, he later agreed to support Ruto’s inclusive “broad-based government,” bringing several of his allies into key government positions. Odinga defended this decision as a move to preserve peace and stability, especially after the previous year’s violent nationwide protests that had left dozens dead and saw angry demonstrators storming parliament.
Earlier this year, the Ruto administration backed Odinga’s candidacy for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Despite strong support from across East and Central Africa, he narrowly lost the race to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Raila Odinga’s legacy extends far beyond politics. To millions of Kenyans, he was affectionately known by nicknames such as “Baba” (Father), “Agwambo” (Act of God), and “Tinga” (Tractor) — the latter drawn from his party’s 1997 election symbol. He was a master political strategist, a skilled negotiator, and a powerful orator capable of moving massive crowds with his charisma and deep empathy for the struggles of ordinary citizens.
Odinga’s life story is also one of resilience and sacrifice. A former political prisoner and the country’s longest-serving detainee, he was twice imprisoned during President Daniel arap Moi’s authoritarian rule — first from 1982 to 1988 and again from 1989 to 1991. His imprisonment stemmed from allegations of involvement in the failed 1982 coup attempt against Moi’s government, an event that propelled him into the national spotlight and cemented his reputation as a fearless advocate for change.
Through imprisonment, political exile, and years of opposition, Raila Odinga remained steadfast in his belief that democracy, human rights, and social equality were worth every sacrifice. His courage inspired generations of activists and political leaders across Africa who saw in him the embodiment of persistence against oppression.
As Kenya reflects on his passing, Raila Odinga will be remembered not only as a political leader but as a national symbol of resistance, reform, and reconciliation. His vision for a more inclusive and democratic Kenya leaves an indelible mark on the nation’s history and continues to shape its political future.
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