Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80, family sources have confirmed. His passing occurred on Wednesday while he was receiving medical treatment in India.
In recent weeks, speculation about his health had circulated, though family members and political allies had previously dismissed reports suggesting he was in critical condition. Condolences have poured in from politicians and leaders across Africa, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Raila Odinga was a political mobilizer and a dominant figure in Kenyan politics, having made five unsuccessful bids for the presidency. Each time, he rejected the results, claiming victory was unfairly denied.
His political journey included a significant victory in 2017 when Kenya’s highest court annulled the election that declared Uhuru Kenyatta the victor, leading to fresh polls, which Odinga boycotted in a call for electoral reforms.
The contested 2007 election, where he alleged he was cheated, ignited Kenya's most significant crisis, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and displacing around 600,000 people. A power-sharing agreement brokered by Kofi Annan resulted in a coalition government, and Odinga became prime minister.
Throughout his career, he often reconciled with incumbents following contentious elections. After his latest defeat in 2022, he participated in a coalition government with President William Ruto, citing national unity as vital amid significant protests that marked the previous year.
Odinga was an influential candidate for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission earlier this year, albeit he lost to Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf despite having robust regional support.
Known affectionately as 'Baba' (Father), 'Agwambo' (Act of God), and 'Tinga' (Tractor), Odinga enjoyed a loyal following, particularly in his western Kenyan homeland.
Recognized for his strategic brilliance and ability to mobilize large crowds, he was deeply connected to ordinary Kenyans. He is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to democratic freedoms and human rights.
As a former political prisoner and Kenya's longest-serving detainee, Odinga faced imprisonment during a period of one-party dictatorship from 1982 to 1991 after attempting a coup. His struggle against oppression was pivotal in shaping Kenya's political landscape and advancing democratic ideals.
