Kenya is mourning the death of Raila Odinga, the country’s former Prime Minister and longtime opposition leader, who passed away at the age of 80. His death marks the end of one of the most remarkable and influential political careers in Kenya’s history.
According to Reuters, Odinga died while receiving treatment at an Ayurvedic medical centre in India, where he had been undergoing care in recent weeks.
A Lifelong Struggle for Democracy
Over his five-decade career, Odinga became synonymous with Kenya’s fight for democracy and political reform. Though he ran for president five times without success, his campaigns reshaped the nation’s political landscape. Two of those elections — particularly in 2007 and 2017 — led to intense political crises and deadly violence, underlining his central role in Kenya’s turbulent democratic evolution.
Despite never reaching the presidency, Odinga’s legacy as a reformer, activist, and opposition stalwart remains undeniable. He was instrumental in achieving two of Kenya’s most significant democratic milestones — the legalisation of multiparty politics in 1991 and the adoption of a new constitution in 2010, both of which transformed Kenya’s governance system.
A Polarising but Respected Leader
Odinga’s activism and leadership were not without controversy. Following the disputed 2007 presidential election, he led nationwide protests that escalated into the worst violence seen in Kenya since independence — a conflict that left over 1,300 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.
Yet, through these moments of upheaval, Odinga emerged as a symbol of resilience, often calling for peace, justice, and accountability. He was known for his fiery rhetoric against corruption and inequality, positioning himself as a voice for Kenya’s marginalized communities and an unwavering advocate for democratic ideals.
Outpouring of Tributes
News of Odinga’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Kenya and beyond. Political leaders, former rivals, and global figures have expressed condolences, acknowledging his enduring impact on African democracy. Many have described him as a patriot and mentor whose influence extended far beyond politics.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu District, Raila Amolo Odinga was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president, and Mary Juma Odinga.
A member of the Luo ethnic group, Odinga pursued his studies in East Germany, attending the Herder Institute and later the Technische Hochschule in Magdeburg, where he earned a certificate in welding in 1970.
Upon returning to Kenya, he founded a company that manufactured liquid petroleum gas cylinders and later joined the Kenya Bureau of Standards, where he rose to become Deputy Director.
Political Journey
Odinga entered politics during Kenya’s one-party era and was detained multiple times for his involvement in pro-democracy movements, particularly after the 1982 coup attempt. His fearlessness earned him nicknames such as “Agwambo” (the mysterious one) and “Jakom” (the chairman).
He joined FORD-Kenya in the 1990s and later helped form the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), which successfully brought Mwai Kibaki to power in 2002. In subsequent years, he founded the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which became one of Kenya’s most powerful opposition parties.
In 2018, Odinga made global headlines after his “handshake” with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, a reconciliation gesture that ended years of political division and gave rise to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
He later served as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, continuing his advocacy for pan-African cooperation and economic progress.
A Lasting Legacy
Though Raila Odinga never attained the presidency, his imprint on Kenya’s political identity is profound. He is remembered as a revolutionary democrat, a relentless reformer, and a unifying figure whose vision helped shape modern Kenya.
His passing leaves a significant void in Kenyan politics, especially within the opposition, where he inspired and mentored an entire generation of leaders committed to justice, transparency, and reform.
Raila Odinga’s life was defined by resilience, conviction, and a lifelong belief that Kenya could always be better — freer, fairer, and more democratic.
