Kenya’s long-serving opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away suddenly in India at the age of 80, bringing an end to one of the most influential political careers in East Africa’s modern history. His death marks not only the loss of a towering national figure but also a pivotal moment in Kenya’s evolving political landscape, which he helped shape through decades of activism, reform efforts, and relentless pursuit of democracy.
According to Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, Odinga collapsed during a morning walk in Kochi, where he had been receiving medical treatment. Despite immediate medical attention and extensive resuscitation attempts, doctors pronounced him dead following cardiac arrest. Indian daily Mathrubhumi reported that Odinga had been under treatment in Kochi before his sudden demise, a fact later confirmed by a source in his office.
Born into a politically prominent family—his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was Kenya’s first vice president—Raila Odinga became one of the defining figures of post-independence Kenya. His political journey spanned over four decades, marked by imprisonment, exile, and numerous electoral battles. A reformist at heart, Odinga was best known for his unflinching advocacy for multiparty democracy, constitutional reform, and social justice. His populist appeal and ability to mobilize large sections of Kenya’s population made him both revered and polarizing.
Although Odinga contested the presidency five times—in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022—victory eluded him each time. Yet, he remained at the heart of Kenya’s political discourse, often serving as the voice of opposition and accountability. His resilience through decades of political struggle and his refusal to retreat from the national stage solidified his status as a symbol of democratic persistence.
Odinga’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 was the result of a historic power-sharing agreement following the deeply contested 2007 presidential election. The disputed vote plunged Kenya into one of the darkest chapters of its history, leading to widespread violence that claimed over 1,300 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands. Odinga’s decision to enter into a coalition government with then-President Mwai Kibaki was seen as a pragmatic step to restore stability, even as it came at significant political cost. His efforts to promote reconciliation and constitutional reform during that period left a lasting impact on the nation’s governance framework.
In recent years, Odinga surprised many by striking a political truce with President William Ruto, a man he had long opposed. The pact allowed Odinga’s party to influence government policy and saw several of his allies appointed to key cabinet positions. This alliance, viewed by some as a final act of statesmanship, symbolized his lifelong willingness to prioritize national unity over personal ambition.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Odinga on X, describing him as “a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India.” Modi recalled their friendship dating back to his days as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, noting Odinga’s deep admiration for Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine, which he credited with improving his daughter’s health. The condolence message underscored Odinga’s global connections and his longstanding ties with India.
Beyond politics, Raila Odinga was a figure of resilience and complexity—a man who faced imprisonment for his beliefs, endured political betrayals, and yet continued to fight for what he believed was best for Kenya. His career embodied the nation’s postcolonial struggles with democracy, corruption, and identity.
Odinga leaves behind his wife, Ida Odinga, and a nation grappling with the void left by his passing. His death closes a remarkable chapter in Kenya’s political history, but his legacy as a reformer, freedom advocate, and champion for the common citizen will continue to influence the country’s direction for generations to come.
