Kenya’s veteran opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has died at the age of 80 while on a medical visit to India, local police confirmed on Wednesday — a development that has sent shockwaves across the East African political landscape.
Odinga, who remained one of the most influential figures in Kenyan politics for decades, had contested the presidency five times without success, with his most recent bid in 2022. Despite never clinching the top seat, he commanded a massive following, particularly from his home region in western Kenya.
According to Indian police reports, Odinga collapsed suddenly while walking with his sister, daughter, and personal doctor. A Kenyan and an Indian security officer were also present. He was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
A member of his political team also confirmed his death to AFP, requesting anonymity pending an official statement from his party.
Born on January 7, 1945, Odinga spent much of his early political life in detention and exile, fighting for democracy under the authoritarian rule of former president Daniel arap Moi.
A proud member of the Luo community, Odinga entered parliament in 1992 and ran for the presidency in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, claiming electoral fraud in the last four elections. Despite being a member of one of Kenya’s most prominent political families — his father served as Kenya’s first vice president — Odinga built his image as a reformist and anti-establishment leader.
His sudden death leaves a major leadership vacuum in Kenya’s opposition ranks, raising concerns about the country’s political future as it approaches the 2027 elections.
Kenya’s former Chief Justice and presidential hopeful David Maraga expressed deep sorrow, describing Odinga as “a patriot, pan-Africanist, and democrat who shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.”
“Kenya has lost a formidable statesman; Africa has lost a leading voice for peace, unity, and development,” Maraga wrote on X.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also extended condolences, saying: “On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. May he rest in peace.”
A spokesperson for the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Kerala, India, confirmed that Odinga collapsed after experiencing breathing difficulties. Despite immediate CPR and emergency transfer to a modern hospital, medical efforts to revive him failed.
Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics — one defined by his tireless struggle for democracy, social justice, and good governance.
