Raila Odinga, Kenya’s opposition leader and former prime minister, has died at the age of 80 while receiving medical care in India, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
Indian police reported that Odinga suddenly collapsed while walking with his sister, daughter, and personal doctor during a health visit in Kerala.
“An Indian police security officer and a Kenyan security officer were also with them at the time. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital but was declared dead,” a police source told AFP.
A spokesman for Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre, where Odinga had been undergoing treatment, confirmed the incident.
“He experienced some breathing difficulties and collapsed. He was provided CPR on the spot, and having seen some sign of recovery, he was rushed to the nearest modern hospital. Despite repeated efforts by the medics, his condition deteriorated and the doctors were unable to save him,” the hospital spokesman said.
A member of Odinga’s political team also confirmed his passing, noting that an official announcement would be made later by his party.
Born on January 7, 1945, Odinga spent much of his early political life behind bars or in exile during the repressive regime of Daniel arap Moi. A fearless advocate for democracy, he became a central figure in Kenya’s transition to multi-party politics in the 1990s.
The son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga — Kenya’s first vice president — Raila Odinga grew to embody resistance, reform, and resilience. Though he ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022), he remained one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, commanding immense loyalty, particularly among the Luo community in western Kenya.
Often described as an anti-establishment firebrand, Odinga challenged the political elite at every turn, alleging electoral malpractice in four of his presidential bids. His charisma, defiance, and populist appeal made him one of Africa’s most recognizable opposition voices.
His death leaves a deep void in Kenya’s political landscape, with analysts warning it could reshape the country’s opposition movement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reactions have poured in from across Kenya and the continent.
Former Chief Justice and presidential candidate David Maraga expressed sorrow, calling Odinga a statesman of continental stature.
“Kenya has lost one of its most formidable leaders who shaped the trajectory of our beloved country,” Maraga said on X (formerly Twitter). “Africa has lost a leading voice in pushing for peace, security, and development. The world has lost a great leader.”
From Addis Ababa, Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, also paid tribute:
“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.”
For over four decades, Raila Odinga stood at the heart of Kenya’s political evolution—leading pro-democracy movements, pushing for constitutional reform, and forging broad coalitions that redefined the nation’s governance.
His passing marks the end of an era for Kenya and the African continent.
