Raila Odinga Passes Away — A Giant of East African Politics Bids Farewell
Nairobi, Kenya / Kochi, India — former Kenyan Prime Minister and long-time opposition leader Raila Odinga passed away at the age of 80, reportedly following a cardiac arrest while receiving medical treatment in Kochi, India.
Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics and leaves a profound void in East African public life.
Early Life & Political Rise
Raila Amolo Odinga was born on January 7, 1945, and is the son of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a key figure in Kenya’s independence movement. Over the decades, Raila became a central figure in Kenyan politics — both revered and deeply polarizing.
He held the post of Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under a power-sharing government, and contended in multiple presidential elections (2007, 2013, 2017, 2022). Though he never won the presidency, his influence extended beyond ballot outcomes, shaping Kenya’s democracy, constitutional reform, and civic activism.
His Legacy & Key Contributions
Champion of Multiparty Democracy & Constitutional Reform
Odinga was instrumental in Kenya’s shift to multiparty politics in the early 1990s, and later played a major role in pushing for the 2010 constitutional rewrite. His activism, protests, and alliances helped reshape Kenya’s governance architecture.
Voice of Opposition & Social Justice
He consistently positioned himself as the voice of the marginalized, often criticizing corruption, inequality, and governance failures. His rhetorical skill and mobilization capacity made him a formidable political force.
Regional & Pan-African Engagement
Beyond Kenya, Odinga was frequently called upon for diplomatic and mediation roles. For instance, in March 2025, President William Ruto dispatched him as a special envoy to South Sudan to help defuse tensions between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar.
He also made a bid to become President of the African Union Commission in 2025, a move supported by several regional leaders.
Reactions & Mourning
Responses to Odinga’s death poured in from across Kenya, East Africa, and the African continent. President William Ruto and other Kenyan leaders expressed condolences, highlighting his role as a “bridge-builder” and democratic icon. International personalities, regional bodies, and ordinary citizens took to social media to share memories, tributes, and reflections.
In Uganda, where Odinga had strong diplomatic ties and connections, voices echoed sympathy and recognition of his regional influence.
What Comes Next
A national period of mourning is likely in Kenya, with state funerals and memorial events.
Political realignments may emerge, especially within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and affiliated coalitions.
Historians, analysts, and civic actors are expected to reflect deeply on his legacy — both achievements and controversies — as Kenya contemplates its future democratic trajectory.
Raila Odinga’s passing is deeply felt not just in Kenya but across East Africa. For many, he symbolized perseverance, dissent, and the struggle for a more just society.
