 |
| Image: Kenyan Government Raila Odinga |
Raila Amolo Odinga, a formidable and central figure in Kenyan politics for decades, has died at the age of 80. His passing was confirmed to have occurred on October 15, 2025, while he was receiving medical treatment in India.
Odinga's political career was marked by a lifelong struggle for democratic ideals, a legacy that was immediately acknowledged by leaders across the political spectrum upon news of his death. A former Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013, Odinga was the leader of the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party and served as the Member of Parliament for Langata Constituency for over two decades.
In a powerful testament to his impact, tributes poured in from both allies and former adversaries. President William Ruto, who once stood as Odinga's political rival, honored the late statesman during state funerals held in Nairobi. President Ruto hailed Odinga as a key architect of Kenya's modern democracy, recognizing his immense sacrifice and dedication to the nation.
The global community also mourned his loss, with former US President Barack Obama offering a poignant and personal tribute on a Meta social media thread. President Obama remembered Odinga as a "true champion of democracy" and "a child of independence" who endured "decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya."
In his post, the former president highlighted a defining trait of Odinga’s character: his repeated choice to prioritize national stability over personal ambition. "Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions," Obama wrote. He further praised Odinga's unique capacity for peace, stating that he was a leader "willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values."
0 Comments