Raila Odinga, Kenyan Political Titan, Dies at 80 in India

Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan and African politics, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80. The former Prime Minister and perennial presidential candidate died from a heart attack while receiving medical treatment in Kerala, India.

news.cn reported, Odinga collapsed during a morning walk in Kochi, southern India, and was rushed to Devamatha Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His passing marks the end of an era for Kenya, where he profoundly influenced the nation's political landscape for over four decades.

Kenyan President William Ruto announced seven days of national mourning and confirmed that Odinga would be accorded a state funeral. President Ruto eulogized Odinga as "a once-in-a-generation leader" and "a giant of democracy," acknowledging his immense contributions to the country.

aljazeera.com noted, Tributes poured in from across Africa and beyond, with leaders recognizing Odinga's unwavering commitment to democracy and good governance. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta praised his legacy in building peace, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a "towering statesman."

Odinga's death leaves a significant leadership vacuum within Kenya's opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. His ability to mobilize vast support and champion reforms made him a central, often unpredictable, force in the nation's political life.

yahoo.com reported, Security has been heightened across Kenya following the news, with police on alert for potential unrest, particularly in Odinga's strongholds. President Ruto visited the Odinga family home in Nairobi to offer condolences, as supporters gathered to mourn their beloved "Baba."

Odinga's political journey was marked by both triumphs and tribulations, including multiple detentions and five unsuccessful presidential bids. Despite never achieving the presidency, his influence on Kenya's democratic evolution and constitutional reforms is undeniable.

• news.cn noted, Raila Amolo Odinga was born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kenya, the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice President. He pursued higher education in East Germany, earning a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1970. This background in engineering later informed his approach to national development and infrastructure.

• Odinga's political activism began in the 1970s and 80s, leading to his arrest and six-year detention without trial in 1982 for alleged involvement in a coup attempt against President Daniel arap Moi. He was a vocal advocate against one-party rule, enduring further arrests and exile before Kenya transitioned to a multi-party system.

• aljazeera.com reported, He served as Kenya's Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, a position created as part of a power-sharing agreement following the disputed 2007 presidential election, which led to widespread ethnic violence. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in post-election reconciliation and the enactment of the progressive 2010 Constitution.

• Odinga ran for president five times (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2022), consistently challenging election results and alleging fraud. His campaigns, often populist in nature, galvanized millions of Kenyans and highlighted issues of governance, corruption, and electoral integrity, shaping national discourse.

• yahoo.com noted, Known affectionately as "Baba" (father) by his supporters, Odinga was a charismatic leader who commanded immense loyalty, particularly in his home region of Nyanza and in urban strongholds like Nairobi's Kibera. His ability to mobilize large crowds was a defining feature of his political career.

• In recent years, Odinga demonstrated a capacity for political pragmatism, notably with the "Handshake" agreement with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018, and a more recent deal with President William Ruto following anti-government protests. These alliances aimed at fostering national unity and stability, despite past rivalries.

• news.cn reported, His death creates uncertainty for Kenya's opposition, particularly concerning the 2027 general elections. Analysts suggest that finding a successor with Odinga's unique ability to unite diverse opposition forces and mobilize a national following will be a significant challenge.