Kenya Mourns as Political Titan Raila Odinga Dies at 80

The nation of Kenya has been plunged into mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a colossal figure in Kenyan politics who passed away at the age of 80. The political stalwart died on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment at Devamatha Hospital in India, according to family sources who confirmed the devastating news.

Odinga collapsed during a morning walk and was rushed to the hospital, where medical staff confirmed he had suffered a cardiac arrest. The hospital released a statement indicating he did not respond to resuscitation measures and was “declared dead at 09:52” local time (04:22 GMT). The passing of Kenya Raila Odinga marks the end of an era in East African politics, closing a chapter on one of the continent’s most enduring and influential political careers.

Nation in Mourning: Tributes Pour In for Political Icon

President William Ruto led the nation in paying tribute to Odinga, describing him as a “beacon of courage” and “father of our democracy” in a live address to the nation. The president has declared a seven-day period of mourning, acknowledging the profound impact Odinga had on Kenya’s political landscape across five decades.

“Raila Odinga was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, echoing sentiments from world leaders who recognized Odinga’s significance beyond Kenya’s borders.

President Ruto had earlier visited Odinga’s family home in Nairobi to express his condolences to his widow Ida Odinga and other family members. This gesture underscored the complex political relationship between the two men, who had transitioned from fierce competitors to collaborators in recent years. The news has generated an outpouring of grief across the nation, with comprehensive coverage available through Kenya news platforms documenting the historical moment.

According to the initial report from BBC News, supporters have been pouring onto the streets to mourn, particularly in his political strongholds of western Kenya and parts of Nairobi. The scenes of public grief demonstrate the deep connection Kenya Raila Odinga maintained with ordinary citizens throughout his long political journey.

A Political Legacy Forged in Struggle and Reconciliation

The story of Kenya Raila Odinga is inextricably linked with the nation’s democratic evolution. A political mobilizer and towering figure in Kenyan politics, Odinga ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times, rejecting the results on each occasion while often claiming victory had been stolen from him. His persistence in challenging electoral outcomes made him both a controversial and celebrated figure, depending on one’s political allegiance.

Odinga’s most significant legal victory came after the 2017 elections, when Kenya’s highest court annulled Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory and ordered fresh polls—a historic first in Africa. However, in a characteristically strategic move, he boycotted the rerun, demanding electoral reforms that would shape future contests. This decision typified the complex political calculations that defined his career.

The Ruto administration backed Odinga’s bid to become chairperson of the African Union Commission, in elections held earlier this year. Despite strong regional support, he lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Perhaps the most stunning moment in his later career came in 2018 when he reconciled with his longtime political rival Uhuru Kenyatta, the two shaking hands in a move that ended months of political tension. This was followed by another surprising development after his 2022 defeat, when he joined President Ruto in a so-called broad-based government, bringing several of his allies into key positions.

As reported by Reuters, Odinga defended these moves as necessary for national unity, particularly following the watershed nationwide protests last year that culminated in the storming of parliament. These protests saw dozens of demonstrators killed in confrontations with security officers, creating a crisis that demanded political reconciliation.

The legacy of Kenya Raila Odinga cannot be understood without examining the 2007 election crisis, which represented the biggest turmoil in Kenya’s history. After Odinga claimed he was cheated of victory by Mwai Kibaki, violence erupted around the country, resulting in 1,200 deaths and approximately 600,000 people displaced from their homes.

The resolution came through a power-sharing agreement brokered by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, leading to the formation of a unity government in which Odinga became prime minister. This period marked his highest official position in government and demonstrated his capacity to transition from opposition leader to governance.

Odinga’s political identity was rooted in his history as a former political prisoner, holding the record for being Kenya’s longest-serving detainee. His struggle against one-party dictatorship saw him detained twice during the rule of Daniel arap Moi—from 1982 to 1988 and again from 1989 to 1991. His initial imprisonment came after attempting to stage a coup in 1982, an event that propelled him onto the national stage and established his credentials as a resistance figure.

Throughout his political life, Odinga inspired a passionate and loyal following, particularly in western Kenya where he was born. His supporters affectionately called him “Baba” (Father), “Agwambo” (Act of God), and “Tinga” (Tractor)—the last drawn from his party’s symbol during the 1997 elections. These nicknames reflected the deep personal connection he maintained with his base, who saw in him not just a politician but a symbol of their aspirations.

Widely regarded as a master strategist and mass mobilizer, Odinga had an exceptional ability to draw huge crowds to his political rallies and connect with ordinary people. His political style combined intellectual depth with grassroots appeal, making him a unique figure in Kenyan politics who could navigate both international diplomacy and local political dynamics with equal facility.

The death of Kenya Raila Odinga leaves a significant vacuum in Kenyan politics, raising questions about who can fill his shoes and carry on his legacy. As the son of Jaramogi Odinga, Kenya’s first vice-president who walked out of government after falling out with then-leader Jomo Kenyatta, Raila inherited a political tradition of principled opposition that defined much of his career.

His unwavering fight for democratic freedoms and human rights established him as a symbol of resistance and political reform, not just in Kenya but across Africa. As the nation begins seven days of official mourning, the focus will inevitably turn to his lasting impact on Kenya’s democracy and the future of the political movement he built and led for decades.

The passing of this monumental figure comes at a pivotal moment in Kenya’s history, with the country facing numerous challenges that will now need to be addressed without his larger-than-life presence. How his political legacy will be preserved and who might emerge to champion the causes he represented remains uncertain, ensuring that the influence of Kenya Raila Odinga will continue to be felt long after his physical departure.