Kenya’s political landscape has lost one of its most significant figures. Raila Amolo Odinga, the former Prime Minister, long-time opposition leader, and five-time presidential candidate, passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80. Known for his unwavering advocacy for democracy and electoral reforms, Odinga’s death has sent shockwaves through Kenya and beyond, leaving a void in the country’s political and social sphere.
Odinga, widely recognized as “Baba” in Kenya, was receiving treatment in Kochi, India, where he had been undergoing Ayurvedic care for the past few weeks. According to reports, Odinga collapsed during a morning walk at the Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam and was immediately rushed to the facility. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, at approximately 9:52 AM Indian time, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His body is being preserved at the hospital while preparations for repatriation are underway.
The news of his death has prompted tributes from political leaders, both in Kenya and globally, who have acknowledged his decades-long fight for democracy, peace, and governance reform.
A Legacy of Leadership
Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu District, Raila Odinga’s life was one defined by both adversity and triumph. As the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President, Raila grew up in a politically charged environment. He would later go on to lead Kenya’s opposition and play an instrumental role in the country’s multi-party political transition in the 1990s.
Raila’s political career began in earnest in 1992 when he won the Lang’ata parliamentary seat, marking the start of his long tenure as an advocate for the marginalized and voiceless. He would serve as the Member of Parliament for Lang’ata Constituency until 2013. His political journey was not without challenges, including imprisonment during President Daniel Arap Moi’s regime, after being accused of treason following the 1982 coup attempt.
Despite facing frequent setbacks, including multiple unsuccessful runs for the presidency, Raila’s vision for a free, fair, and democratic Kenya persisted. He became known for his commitment to multiracial democracy and electoral reform, and his ability to unite diverse factions under causes such as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Azimio la Umoja, and the broader Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD).
The Unyielding Fight for the Presidency
Raila Odinga’s presidential bids were never successful, but his influence over Kenya’s political direction was undeniable. He ran for president five times — in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 — and in each instance, he alleged electoral fraud. His 2007 loss to Mwai Kibaki sparked post-election violence, leading to a historic power-sharing agreement that saw Raila serve as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. Despite the continued challenges, Odinga remained a fixture in Kenyan politics, advocating for better governance and pushing for a new constitution, which was eventually ratified in 2010.
In 2018, Raila’s political career took another significant turn when he engaged in a historic “handshake” with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, marking a shift in Kenyan politics and culminating in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). Although the BBI was declared unconstitutional, it symbolized Raila’s ongoing efforts to foster national reconciliation.
His final attempt for the presidency in 2022 was a highly contested race against William Ruto. Despite his loss, Raila remained a central figure in the opposition, continuing to speak out on issues such as electoral justice and governance reform.
Personal Life and Family
Raila’s personal life was also one of public interest. He was married to Ida Odinga, and the couple had four children: Fidel Odinga (who passed away in 2015), Rosemary, Raila Jr., and Winnie Odinga. His daughter, Rosemary, had been by his side during his treatment in India, just as she had been throughout his political journey, including during his recovery from partial blindness.
Raila’s family has expressed grief over his passing, and his daughter, Rosemary Odinga, is expected to take part in the ongoing repatriation process of his body to Kenya. Details of funeral arrangements in Kenya will be announced shortly, as preparations begin for what is expected to be a national memorial.
The Global Reaction
The announcement of Odinga’s death has garnered reactions from across the globe. In Kenya, flags are expected to fly at half-mast as citizens mourn the loss of a political giant. International leaders have also expressed condolences, with figures from various continents praising Odinga’s commitment to peace, democracy, and multilateralism.
United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, released a statement, calling Odinga “one of Africa’s most enduring champions of democracy.” Meanwhile, African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, mourned the loss of “a father of African unity” and recognized Odinga’s contributions to regional peace and security.
Final Moments and the Political Landscape Ahead
Raila’s death has left a significant gap in Kenyan politics, and his passing marks the end of an era. His political ideologies, campaigns, and relentless pursuit of justice have shaped Kenya into the democracy it is today.
The political vacuum left behind will likely see his supporters rally around his vision of a democratic Kenya. Raila’s family and colleagues have pledged to continue his legacy, while several figures in the opposition have called for unity in honoring his memory.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which Odinga founded, is expected to undergo leadership changes, but Raila’s vision for a united Kenya will remain central to its mission.
Phase One of national mourning has begun, and the country will come together to honor the life and legacy of a man who forever altered the course of Kenya’s political history.
What’s Next for Kenya?
As the country grapples with the loss of one of its most influential figures, many questions remain. Will Raila Odinga’s party, ODM, remain the same? Who will fill the leadership void? And how will the country move forward politically after this monumental loss?
Kenya’s political future will be shaped by these answers as the nation processes the passing of a man who meant so much to the country’s journey toward democracy and reform.
Raila Odinga’s death, while tragic, has also opened the door for new leadership to rise, potentially carrying forward the ideals he championed for over five decades.
