Kenya’s long-serving opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has died at the age of 80, a senior official from his office has confirmed.
Odinga, who had been receiving medical treatment in Kochi, India, reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest on Wednesday and was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to hospital, according to India’s Mathrubhumi newspaper.
A source close to the Odinga family told Reuters that final details on the circumstances surrounding his death would be communicated after consultations with relatives and doctors in India.
A Lifetime of Political Struggle
Odinga, one of Kenya’s most influential and resilient politicians, contested the presidency five times without success. His career, however, left a profound imprint on Kenya’s democratic journey—marked by decades of activism, imprisonment, and landmark political reforms.
He was instrumental in pushing for multiparty democracy in 1991 and later played a central role in ushering in Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, which entrenched devolution and expanded civil liberties.
Defining Moments
A pivotal figure during moments of national crisis, Odinga led mass protests following the disputed 2007 elections, which triggered Kenya’s worst post-independence violence. The unrest left more than 1,300 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands, ultimately leading to the formation of a Grand Coalition Government, in which Odinga served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.
Despite enduring political defeats, Odinga remained a symbol of reform, resilience, and opposition to authoritarianism. His supporters viewed him as the moral conscience of the nation—a leader who never abandoned his dream of a fairer, more united Kenya.
National and Global Reaction
News of Odinga’s passing has drawn condolences from across the world. Leaders from within the East African region and beyond have paid tribute to his lifelong dedication to democracy and regional integration.
The Kenyan government is expected to issue a formal statement, while ODM Party officials have confirmed that a national funeral committee will be constituted to coordinate memorial events both in India and Kenya.
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