Kenyan Opposition Leader Raila Odinga Dies at 80

Former Kenyan Prime Minister and long-time opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has died at the age of 80 while receiving medical care in India. His office confirmed the news early Wednesday, bringing an end to a political era that defined Kenya’s democracy for more than four decades.

Odinga reportedly collapsed during a morning walk in the southern Indian city of Kochi and was rushed to Devamatha Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead following a cardiac arrest. He had been undergoing treatment in Kerala for an undisclosed illness before the sudden medical emergency.

His death has triggered a wave of grief across Kenya and the African continent. President William Ruto, in a national broadcast, described Odinga as “a towering figure in Kenya’s democratic journey” and declared three days of national mourning. Flags across government buildings have been ordered to fly at half-mast.

In Nairobi and Kisumu, hundreds of supporters gathered to pay tribute to the man they affectionately called “Baba.” The government has heightened security in major cities to manage the swelling crowds of mourners and prevent potential unrest.

Born on January 7, 1945, Raila Amolo Odinga was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures. He was instrumental in the country’s transition from one-party rule to a multiparty democracy in the early 1990s. A staunch advocate for reform, he served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 in a power-sharing government formed after the violent post-election crisis of 2007–2008.

Odinga’s political career was marked by both triumphs and turbulence. He contested the presidency five times in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, without success, often alleging electoral malpractice. Despite these setbacks, his influence remained deeply rooted, especially among the Luo community and pro-reform movements.

He was also pivotal in the creation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, which reshaped the country’s governance framework and devolved power to regional counties. Beyond politics, Odinga served as the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development, playing a key role in continental integration efforts.

Tributes have poured in from world leaders and African statesmen, describing Odinga as a fearless democrat and visionary leader who fought tirelessly for justice and equality. His death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, reform, and an unyielding pursuit of democratic ideals.

Raila Odinga is survived by his wife, Ida Odinga, and their children. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.