NAIROBI – Raila Odinga, the former Kenyan prime minister and long-time opposition leader, has died at the age of 80 while undergoing medical treatment in India, officials confirmed.
Odinga, who had contested five presidential elections between 1997 and 2022, suffered a heart attack during a morning walk in Kerala, accompanied by his sister, daughter, personal doctor, and security personnel. He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in the southern Indian state but was declared dead, according to local police.
The news sent shockwaves through Kenya, with President William Ruto visiting the Odinga family home in Nairobi’s Karen suburb. Hundreds of supporters also gathered to pay their respects.
Born in 1945 into a prominent political family, Odinga was the son of Kenya’s first vice president. A pro-democracy campaigner, he spent years in jail or exile for his activism against oppressive regimes. Odinga played a pivotal role in two major reforms: the introduction of multiparty democracy in 1991 and the adoption of a new constitution in 2010.
Odinga’s political career was marked by both admiration and controversy. He was affectionately called “Baba” (“father”) by supporters and nicknamed “Agwambo” (“mysterious one”) in his Luo community. Despite losing multiple elections, he remained a central figure in Kenyan politics, often brokering alliances and shaping national policy.
In March, he signed a pact with President Ruto, integrating his opposition party, Azimio la Umoja, into critical policymaking and cabinet appointments.
Leaders from across Africa and the world paid tribute. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta described him as “a father to the nation, a steadfast champion for the people, and a true son of Kenya.” Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan called his death a tragedy for East Africa and the continent. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Odinga as “a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India.” African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said Odinga’s decades-long commitment to democracy and good governance left an indelible mark across Africa.
Raila Odinga’s death leaves a significant leadership vacuum in Kenya’s opposition ahead of the 2027 elections, marking the end of an era for one of the continent’s most prominent political figures.
[Source: Aljazeera News]