Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80, family sources have reported. Odinga passed away on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in India. Recently, concerns had arisen regarding his health, although family members had downplayed claims of a critical condition.
Widely regarded as a political mobiliser and key player in Kenyan politics, Odinga made five runs for the presidency over the years, each time claiming that his victory was undermined. His political journey took a significant turn after the 2017 elections when Kenya's highest court annulled Uhuru Kenyatta's victory, demanding new elections. However, Odinga boycotted the rerun, demanding electoral reforms.
His political activism reached a peak surrounding the 2007 elections, which ignited one of Kenya's most significant crises, resulting in widespread violence and many deaths. The unrest culminated in a power-sharing agreement mediated by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which saw Odinga take up the position of prime minister.
Despite experiencing political setbacks, Odinga often reconciled with sitting presidents. Following his latest electoral defeat in 2022, he engaged with the current president, William Ruto, for a united front amid nationwide unrest.
Odinga had built a passionate following, earning affectionate nicknames such as 'Baba' (Father) and 'Agwambo' (Act of God), reflecting his deep connection with supporters. His legacy includes a steadfast commitment to democratic freedoms and human rights, rooted in his own experiences as a political prisoner during Kenya's oppressive regimes.
His death has drawn condolences from various leaders, including Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He will be remembered as a towering figure in the ongoing struggle for democracy in Kenya.
