The world is mourning the death of Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former prime minister and a towering figure in African politics, who passed away at the age of 80 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.
Final moments
According to hospital and police officials in Kerala, Odinga suffered a heart attack while on a morning walk in Kochi. Despite being rushed to Devamatha Hospital, he was declared dead shortly after arrival.
He had been undergoing treatment at Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Hospital in Koothattukulam.
Back home, news of Odinga’s passing sent shockwaves through the country. President William Ruto visited the Odinga family at their Karen residence in Nairobi, while hundreds of supporters gathered outside, mourning with tears and traditional rituals.
A lifelong struggle for democracy
Born in 1945, Raila was the son of Kenya’s first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
A revolutionary to many, he spent time in prison and exile in the 1980s following a failed coup attempt.
He entered Parliament in 1992 and ran for president five times (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2022), each time falling short, often amid controversy and allegations of vote rigging.
Odinga’s influence shaped modern Kenyan politics. He was instrumental in ushering in multi-party democracy in 1991 and a new constitution in 2010.
Even as a fierce opposition leader, he struck pacts with rivals when the nation’s stability required it, including a recent working agreement with President Ruto.
“Baba” and “Agwambo”
Known affectionately as “Baba” (father) by his supporters and “Agwambo” (the mysterious one) in his native Luo language, Odinga’s political journey was defined by both unyielding resolve and complex alliances.
His ability to mobilize grassroots support was unmatched, even as critics accused him of ethnic politicking and political opportunism.
His wish was to buried within 72 hours.
Tributes
A Farewell to a Freedom Fighter: President Museveni’s Tribute to Raila Odinga
On the morning of October 15th, 2025, a deep sense of sorrow swept through East Africa as news broke of the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya. Among the many voices that rose in tribute, one stood out for its depth of history and shared struggle, that of the President of Uganda, Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, President Museveni spoke not just as a Head of State, but as a comrade-in-arms, a fellow freedom fighter who had walked the long, often perilous road toward African unity and self-determination.
“Raila Odinga,” he wrote, “was not just a career politician. He was a freedom fighter in the tradition of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President.” The President recounted a history of shared ideology, one rooted in patriotism and Pan-Africanism, a vision both Odingas had carried for decades.
Museveni reflected on his own journey alongside them. He remembered the conversations, the alignment in spirit, and the consistent push for the unity of not just Kenya, but the entire East African region and continent. Both father and son, he noted, had been unwavering in their support for the East African Federation, a dream that still lives on in the hearts of many.
“It is unfortunate that he has left us at this moment,” the President said with solemnity. “His absence will be deeply felt. Yet, it is now upon the young people of Africa to rise and fill the void left by such giants, to continue the work of building the future they envisioned.”
President Museveni who is also the Chairman of ruling National Resistance party, extended his heartfelt condolences to President William Ruto, to the people of Kenya, and to Raila Odinga’s family. His final words carried the weight of generations:
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
The President the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame: On behalf of the people of Rwanda and on my own behalf, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, to my brother President Williams Ruto , and to the people of Kenya on the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.
His lifelong dedication to public service and his steadfast commitment to democracy, justice, and unity in Kenya and across Africa will be remembered for generations to come.
We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Kenya during this time of national mourning.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta: A father to the nation… His legacy is not just in the political battles he fought, but in the peace he helped build.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan: We have lost a brilliant leader, a global African, a peace-loving and solution seeker.
African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf: Praised Odinga’s “decades-long commitment to justice, pluralism, and democratic reform… He inspired generations of leaders, including myself.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued over the years. He had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter’s health. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief.
Rigathi Gachagua the former Deputy Vice President of Kenya: Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well. To the family, your spouse Mama Ida Odinga and your children, my family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment. My deepest sympathies to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya.
The enigma Baba, the father of our democracy and a formidable hero of Kenya’s 2nd liberation, you stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge and quest for democracy. You faced brutal regimes’ brutality, you were tortured, jailed, abducted and detained severally for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers.
You dedicated your life in the service of humanity: as a political activist, a Civil Servant, a University Lecturer, an MP, a Party Leader, a Cabinet Minister, a Prime Minister and many other fronts. On all these, your trail of success and impact remains indelible.
Kenyans will not only remember your craft in resilience, persistence and democratic values days on but also your voice during difficult moments.
It will be remembered that you were at the forefront in the fight for Kenya’s democracy and liberation of Kenya on many firsts. Most profoundly, Kenya’s multiparty democracy and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, a race you strongly stood in for and we the people of Kenya shall never forget.
Much as we have never been on the same political side, I have had a strong admiration of Raila Odinga’s art of forming and sustaining a strong political party that survived 4 general elections. I remain amazed by his choice of quality legislators to fly the party flag and eloquently articulate party policies and the people they represented.
You are a hero celebrated home and away; you have not gone Raila Odinga, you have just faded away.
Rest in peace Baba and may perpetual light shine upon you forever.
The President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo: I extend my deepest condolences to the people of the great sisterly nation of Kenya, President William Sameoi Ruto, and to the family of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, who died in India, earlier today.
News of the passing of this great son of Africa, who, for a long time, was a very good friend of mine, has been received with widespread sadness. Aside the many encounters and thought-experiences upon which we held deep convictions, Prime Minister Odinga and I shared mutual values on strengthening democracy and on advancing the human rights of Africa’s citizens. On 7th January, 2017, he was one of the distinguished dignitaries who attended my inauguration event at the Independence Square, in Accra.
As a founding member of the African Union, I pledged Ghana’s support, without hesitation, when, in 2024, President Ruto visited Ghana to secure our support for Prime Minister Odinga’s candidacy as AU Commission Chairperson. Indeed, he visited me himself in November 2024, as part of his campaign.
His remarkable footprints on Kenya’s stability, democracy and history will remain indelible. He will be sorely missed.
May his soul find peaceful rest in the Bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again. Amen.
President of the leading opposition party in Uganda the National Unity Platform, Robert Kyagulanyi: We have received the news of the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga with great sadness. He stood tall for freedom, liberty, and dignity. In him, we have lost a great statesman – an African giant, who did his best for humanity amidst great adversity. Deepest condolences to the great people of Kenya and all pro-democracy forces around the world. May his soul rest in peace.
Legacy
Odinga was champion of democracy, pushing for electoral justice; a unifier, who despite losses, repeatedly put country before self; and a policy influencer, even while in opposition.
His death leaves a significant leadership void in Kenya’s political opposition ahead of the 2027 elections, where he was still seen as a kingmaker, if not a candidate.
Raila Odinga’s journey, from prisoner to prime minister, protester to peacemaker, reflects the tumultuous yet hopeful path of modern Kenya. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a relentless fighter for democratic ideals will endure.
“His story is not just Kenya’s story, but Africa’s.”
See you until tomorrow ‘Baba’……………………………………………………………………………….
