Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga Passes Away at 80
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in India, family sources confirmed. According to Indian authorities, Odinga collapsed suddenly while walking with family members and his personal doctor. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. In recent weeks, speculation about his health had circulated, but family members and political allies dismissed claims that he was critically ill. Leaders across Africa, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, have expressed condolences. Odinga was a towering figure in Kenyan politics, running unsuccessfully for the presidency five times and rejecting the results each time, alleging electoral fraud. Following the 2017 elections, Kenya’s Supreme Court annulled Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory and ordered a fresh vote, which Odinga boycotted, citing the need for electoral reforms. His political career included some of Kenya’s most turbulent periods. The disputed 2007 elections sparked nationwide violence, leaving 1,200 dead and forcing around 600,000 people from their homes. A power-sharing agreement brokered by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan led to a unity government, with Odinga serving as prime minister. Throughout his career, he reconciled with incumbent presidents after contentious elections. After losing in 2022, he joined President William Ruto in a “broad-based government,” defending the move as essential for national unity following protests that resulted in dozens of deaths. Earlier this year, Odinga sought to become chairperson of the African Union Commission, with support from the Ruto administration. Despite strong regional backing, he lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. Odinga inspired deep loyalty, especially in western Kenya, earning nicknames like “Baba” (Father), “Agwambo” (Act of God), and “Tinga” (Tractor). Known for his strategic brilliance and ability to mobilize crowds, he maintained strong connections with ordinary citizens. A steadfast defender of democracy and human rights, Odinga was Kenya’s longest-serving political detainee, imprisoned twice under Daniel arap Moi’s one-party rule—from 1982 to 1988 and 1989 to 1991. His first imprisonment followed an attempted coup in 1982, which elevated him onto the national political stage. Odinga will be remembered for his lifelong fight for democratic freedoms, his influence on Kenyan politics, and his ability to inspire and mobilize millions.