Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, passed away at 80 while on a trip to India. Odinga, a significant figure in Kenya’s political history post-independence, collapsed during a morning walk in Kochi, India, and was pronounced dead at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala State due to a cardiac arrest. Despite resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived.
A source from Odinga’s office confirmed his demise, with reports stating that he had been receiving medical treatment in Kochi. Odinga, a veteran opposition leader and five-time presidential candidate, was known for his populist speeches, reformist principles, and relentless advocacy for democracy, shaping the landscape of modern Kenyan politics. Although he never clinched the presidency, his campaigns garnered massive support and often disrupted the established political order.
Recently, Odinga formed a political alliance with President William Ruto, allowing his opposition party to have a significant influence on government policies. This collaboration led to several coalition members being appointed to key cabinet positions, fostering a rare moment of unity in Kenya’s deeply divided political scene.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), remembering Odinga as a respected statesman and a close friend of India. Modi highlighted Odinga’s admiration for India’s traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda, which had positively impacted his daughter’s health.
Odinga previously served as Prime Minister under a power-sharing agreement after the contentious 2007 presidential election, which sparked the deadliest post-election violence in Kenya’s history. Despite facing defeat in all his presidential bids from 1997 to 2022, Odinga remained a pivotal figure in Kenyan politics, often representing the opposition and advocating for marginalized communities.
He is survived by his wife, Ida Odinga.