Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and five-time presidential candidate, died Wednesday at age 80 after suffering cardiac arrest during a visit to India, marking the end of one of the most influential political careers in Kenya’s post-independence history.
Raila Odinga Death Details
According to Devamatha Hospital in Kerala State, Odinga collapsed during a morning walk in Kochi and was rushed to the facility, where resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. A source in Odinga’s office confirmed his death, while Indian daily Mathrubhumi reported he had been undergoing treatment in the city.
Political Legacy
Raila Odinga was a towering political figure whose populist rhetoric, reformist ideals, and democracy advocacy shaped modern Kenyan politics. Though he never won the presidency despite five attempts (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022), his campaigns energized millions and challenged the political establishment.
Most recently, Odinga entered a political pact with President William Ruto, enabling his opposition party to influence government policymaking. Several coalition members received cabinet appointments, signaling rare unity in Kenya’s polarized political landscape.
Prime Ministerial Role
Odinga served as Prime Minister in a power-sharing arrangement following the disputed 2007 presidential election, which triggered Kenya’s deadliest post-election violence. Over 1,300 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. His leadership during the crisis and efforts to establish a more inclusive political framework earned both criticism and acclaim.
International Tributes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on X: “Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat… He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter’s health.”
Despite losing all five presidential bids, Odinga remained central to Kenyan politics, often viewed as the de facto opposition leader and voice for marginalized communities. His political career spanned decades, making him one of Kenya’s most recognizable and polarizing figures.
Survivors
Odinga is survived by his wife, Ida Odinga.
His death removes a major figure from Kenyan politics at a time of coalition governance and ongoing political realignment.
