Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga dies aged 80

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a veteran opposition leader and key figure in East African politics, has died at the age of 80. He passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while undergoing medical treatment in India, according to multiple reliable sources. Odinga collapsed suddenly while walking with family members and his personal doctor in Kochi, Kerala, and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead. Indian police and hospital officials confirmed the incident, noting that he had been experiencing breathing difficulties prior to the collapse. The news was first reported by Reuters and quickly confirmed by other major outlets including BBC and Le Monde. A towering figure in Kenyan politics, Odinga served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013 and ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times between 1997 and 2022. He consistently claimed that victories were stolen from him in the last four elections, with the 2007 disputed poll leading to the country’s worst post-independence crisis. That election sparked ethnic violence that killed over 1,200 people and displaced approximately 600,000. The 2007 crisis was resolved through a power-sharing agreement brokered by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which established a unity government with Odinga as prime minister. This period marked a significant shift in Kenyan politics, and Odinga’s role helped stabilize the nation. However, he continued to challenge election results, most notably in 2017 when Kenya’s Supreme Court annulled President Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory—a historic first in Africa. Odinga’s political journey began in the early 1990s, and he spent nearly a decade in prison during Daniel arap Moi’s autocratic rule for alleged involvement in a 1982 coup attempt. His imprisonment made him a symbol of resistance, and he was known by affectionate nicknames like “Baba” (Father) and “Tinga” (Tractor) among his supporters. He hailed from the Luo community and was a master strategist capable of mobilizing massive crowds. In recent years, Odinga surprised many by joining President William Ruto’s government after the 2022 election, arguing it was necessary for national unity following violent protests. Earlier this year, he lost a bid to become chairperson of the African Union Commission despite strong regional support. His death leaves a significant leadership vacuum in Kenya’s opposition as the country approaches the 2027 elections. Condolences have poured in from across Africa and beyond, with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed among the first to express sympathy. Odinga is remembered as a patriot, pan-Africanist, and unwavering advocate for democratic freedoms whose legacy will influence Kenyan and African politics for years to come.