Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in India.
His death comes after weeks of speculation about his health. Indian outlets reported that he suffered a cardiac arrest in Kochi, was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, could not be saved.
Who Was Ralia Odinga
Born on January 7, 1945, Raila Amolo Odinga was a Kenyan politician and statesman who served as the Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013. He represented the Langata Constituency in Parliament from 1992 to 2013 and later served as leader of the opposition from 2013 onward.
A member of the Luo ethnic group, Odinga hailed from Bondo in Siaya County, located in western Kenya, near the shores of Lake Victoria.
He came from one of Kenya’s most influential political families. His father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was the country’s first Vice President after independence in 1963.
Odinga ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 often alleging electoral malpractice.
He was known for his resilience, reformist agenda, and ability to connect deeply with ordinary Kenyans despite his elite background.
He was married to Ida Odinga since 1973, and their union was blessed with four children, including Rosemary and Winnie Odinga, both of whom have followed in their father’s footsteps in public service and activism.
Early Life & Education
Odinga studied in East Germany, where he obtained an engineering degree from Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg.
After returning to Kenya, he entered public life and began advocating for democratic reforms.
During the regime of President Daniel arap Moi, Odinga spent several years in detention from 1982 to 1988 and again between 1989 and 1991 for his involvement in pro-democracy movements and alleged association with the failed 1982 coup attempt.
These detentions earned him the title of Kenya’s longest-serving political prisoner.
Political Career
Raila Odinga’s political career spanned more than four decades. He was instrumental in Kenya’s transition from one-party rule to multiparty democracy in the early 1990s and played a major role in the constitutional reforms that led to the adoption of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
His influence grew during the 2007 post-election crisis, when his disputed loss to Mwai Kibaki triggered one of Kenya’s worst waves of political violence, leaving over 1,200 people dead and 600,000 displaced.
The crisis was resolved after Kofi Annan brokered a power-sharing deal, resulting in a coalition government with Odinga as Prime Minister.
In 2017, Odinga’s legal challenge to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory led to a historic Supreme Court annulment of the election results, a first in Africa though he boycotted the subsequent rerun, demanding electoral reforms.
After losing again in 2022, Odinga agreed to join President William Ruto in a “broad-based government” designed to promote national unity and stability following widespread protests and political unrest.
Speech At ICAD 2025 With LN247
At the International Conference on Africa’s Democracy (ICAD) in July, 2025, held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, Nigeria, Odinga delivered what would be one of his final public addresses.
Speaking on the theme “Building a Governance System That Works in Africa for Africans,” he stated:
“Africa trades more with the external world than with itself.”
He spoke with LN247, emphasizing the need for Afrocentric governance, economic integration, and reduced dependency on foreign powers, saying:
“We must reimagine governance in a way that breaks structural dependency and empowers our people to trade, innovate, and thrive together.”
The two-day conference explored topics such as democratic consolidation, economic sovereignty, and continental collaboration.
Legacy
Raila Odinga’s death leaves a considerable void in Kenya’s political landscape.
He was known as “Baba” (Father), “Agwambo”, and “Tinga”, nicknames that speak to both reverence and his ability to mobilize grassroots support.
He is remembered as a champion of democratic freedoms, human rights, and constitutional reform, and one of Kenya’s longest-serving political detainees.
As Kenya moves toward its 2027 elections, many wonder whether any living leader can unify opposition forces with the same influence and vision as Odinga. His legacy will continue to shape political discourse across Kenya and Africa for years to come.
Reactions To His Death
Across Africa, political leaders, activists, and citizens have paid tribute to Odinga’s towering legacy.
Kenya’s former Chief Justice and presidential candidate, David Maraga, said he was “shocked” by the news, describing Odinga as:
“A patriot, a pan-Africanist, a democrat, and a leader who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and in Africa. Kenya has lost one of its most formidable leaders who shaped the trajectory of our beloved country. Africa has lost a leading voice in pushing for peace, security, and development. The world has lost a great leader.”
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also expressed condolences, writing:
“On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. May he Rest In Peace.”
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
