Kenya’s political heavyweight Raila Odinga dies at 80

Raila Odinga was taking a walk with his sister, daughter, and personal doctor “when he suddenly collapsed” at Kochi, India. He was pronounced dead at 9.52am Indian time.
Born in January 1945 to Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Odinga Oginga, Raila has remained a towering figure in Kenya’s political landscape.
His death is projected to have many consequences politically both nationally and especially his native Luo Nyanza zone where he enjoyed near-mad following.

Kenya has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday morning in India where he had travelled seeking medication. Odinga, who has contested in five presidential elections in Kenya including 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022 died after cardiac arrest at 9.52am Indian time within the premises of Ayurvedic eye hospital, which is located at Koothattukulam in Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. He was 80.

The Kenyan politicians had travelled to India about a week ago in the company of his personal doctor and daughter Rosemary to receive specialized treatment.

According to the AFP, Odinga was taking a walk with his sister, daughter, and personal doctor “when he suddenly collapsed.”

“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,” the police stated.

A spokesperson for the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre confirmed Odinga’s death, “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.”

Raila Odinga: A towering figure in Kenya’s political scene

Born in 1945 to Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Odinga Oginga, Raila has remained a towering figure in Kenya’s governance, and has left an indelible mark in the country’s history, particularly his role in the birth of multiparty democracy in 1991 and the realization of a new constitution in 2010. His early political life was marked by time in jail or exile, all the while fighting for enhanced political space under Kenya’s second president, dictator Daniel Arap Moi.

His death is projected to have many consequences politically both at local level in his native Luo Nyanza where he enjoyed near-mad following and national politics where he had evolved into a strong confidant of President William Ruto. His death leaves a huge vacuum, with almost no one able to match his political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In 2007, following the disputed presidential elections in which he claimed victory was stolen from his camp, a total of 1300 people were killed even as hundreds of thousands were left homeless following post-election violence that gripped the East African country.

Lately, Odinga has been unwell, seeing him travel occasionally outside the country for specialized medical care. Last week, his elder brother, Senator Oburu Odinga, told the country that Raila was in India. “I want to tell you that Raila is up and about. Just like any other human being, he was indisposed a little and is now recuperating and resting,” Oburu said.

Leaders mourn death of Raila Odinga

At the moment, tributes have started flowing in, mourning the death of Raila Odinga. Kenya’s former Chief Justice and a 2027 election presidential hopeful David Maraga said he was “shocked” by the news of his death.

Maraga noted that Raila, who last year contested for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission, was 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,” Maraga added.

On his part, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated: “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.

Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said he has learned of Odinga’s death with sadness, adding: “Mr. Odinga’s contributions extended far beyond national borders. As the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, he worked tirelessly to advance the continent’s integration and connectivity agenda, helping to lay the foundations for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and broader socio-economic transformation.”

Chairperson Youssouf further noted: “Africa has lost one of its most visionary sons; a leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, democracy, and unity. His legacy will continue to inspire our collective efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Africa.”

Uhuru Kenyatta mourns ‘more than a political colleague’

“My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction,” stated Kenya’s fourth President Uhuru Kenyatta, who threw his weight behind Raila Odinga in the 2022 General Elections.

“To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life. Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved. At some point along that journey, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense,” added Uhuru.