Nairobi, Kenya — October 15, 2025
Raila Odinga, the veteran Kenyan statesman and former Prime Minister whose relentless push for multiparty democracy reshaped the nation’s political landscape, has died at the age of 80. His passing marks the end of an era for East African politics and sends shockwaves through Kenya’s already tense political climate.
Who Was Raila Odinga?
Raila Amolo Odinga was more than a politician—he was a symbol of resistance, reform, and resilience. Born into a family of activists—his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was Kenya’s first Vice President—Raila inherited a legacy of defiance against authoritarian rule.
He spent years in detention during the one-party rule of Daniel arap Moi before emerging as a central figure in the 1990s movement that restored multiparty democracy to Kenya. Over the decades, he served as Member of Parliament, Minister, and briefly as Prime Minister under a power-sharing agreement following the violent 2007 elections.
Raila Odinga’s Political Legacy
Odinga ran for president five times—in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and most recently in 2022—but never clinched the top office. Despite these losses, his influence remained unmatched. He led the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and later the Azimio la Umoja coalition, consistently challenging the status quo and advocating for electoral transparency.
His 2017 petition to the Supreme Court led to a historic annulment of presidential results—the first such ruling in Africa—though he boycotted the subsequent rerun.
Final Days and Death in India
Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, southern India, where he was reportedly receiving medical treatment. The hospital confirmed his death in a phone statement.
Ben Agina, a senior adviser during Odinga’s 2022 campaign, confirmed the news, calling it “a sad day for us.” Agina added, “His death has caused a major split politically. The horizon looks unclear. And it will be a big blow especially to his party.”
Kenya’s Political Future in Flux
President William Ruto is expected to address the nation later today. Meanwhile, Odinga’s elder brother, Senator Oburu Odinga, is scheduled to speak to the press.
Analysts warn that Odinga’s absence could destabilize Kenya’s opposition, which has long revolved around his charisma and strategic alliances. Without a clear successor, internal fractures within the Azimio coalition may deepen.
Raila Odinga: By the Numbers
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age at Death | 80 |
| Presidential Runs | 5 (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2022) |
| Prime Minister Term | 2008–2013 (under power-sharing with Mwai Kibaki) |
| Political Party | Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) |
| Place of Death | Devamatha Hospital, Kerala, India |
National Mourning Expected
Flags are likely to fly at half-mast across Kenya in the coming days. Tributes are already pouring in from across Africa and the global diplomatic community. Many are calling him “the conscience of Kenyan democracy.”
[INTERNAL_LINK:kenya-politics] | [INTERNAL_LINK:raila-odinga-biography]
