On 15 October 2025, Kenya—and indeed much of Africa—woke to the heartbreaking news that Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister and long-standing opposition leader, had passed away. He died from a cardiac arrest while in Kochi, India, collapsing during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility. Al Jazeera+3The Times of India+3Reuters+3

He was 80 years old. Al Jazeera+6The Guardian+6AP News+6

The Life & Legacy of Raila Odinga

Raila Odinga’s journey in Kenyan politics was marked by struggle, resilience, and an unyielding dedication to democratic ideals. Born in 1945 into a politically engaged family—his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was Kenya’s first Vice President—Raila would carry forward a legacy of activism and dissent. Wikipedia+2AP News+2

He first gained wide attention in the 1980s, during President Daniel arap Moi’s one-party era, when his vocal opposition to authoritarianism brought him into conflict with the state. His name was implicated in the failed 1982 coup attempt—though charges were later dropped—and he spent time in detention for his activism. AP News+2Al Jazeera+2

After the reintroduction of multiparty politics in Kenya, Raila became a leading opposition figure. He was first elected to Parliament in the early 1990s, and over the next three decades, he would run for President five times (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022). Wikipedia+4Al Jazeera+4The Guardian+4

Following the disputed 2007 election, which triggered severe post-election violence, a power-sharing agreement was negotiated. Raila served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, leading a coalition government tasked with new constitutional reform and national healing. Al Jazeera+4The Guardian+4AP News+4

Over his political life, he championed reforms: the push to adopt multiparty democracy, the drafting and adoption of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, and judicial independence. Even when criticized for perceived compromises or alliances, he remained a towering figure in Kenyan politics. Al Jazeera+6Financial Times+6AP News+6

The Passing & National Mourning

On that fateful morning in India, Raila collapsed during a walk and was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Kerala. Medical staff declared him unresponsive to resuscitation efforts. AP News+4The Times of India+4The Guardian+4

The Kenyan government moved swiftly. President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning, ordered the national flag flown at half-mast, postponed public engagements, and announced that Raila would be accorded a state funeral. NTV Kenya+8The Guardian+8AP News+8

Thousands of Kenyans gathered to receive Raila’s body at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where a water salute welcomed him back home. His body will lie in state at Parliament, and public viewings are planned in Kisumu, before funeral rites in his home county of Bondo. Financial Times+4AP News+4The Guardian+4

President Ruto’s Address

Below is an edited excerpt from President William Ruto’s full speech following the death of Raila Odinga: NTV Kenya

“Fellow Citizens, it is with deep sorrow that I inform the nation of the passing on of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga…
Kenya, Africa, and the world mourn the passing of a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless warrior of good governance.
Raila Amolo Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our Republic: A story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope, and our pursuit for excellence.
In his passing, we have lost a patriot of uncommon courage, a pan-Africanist, a unifier who sought peace and unity above power and self-gain; an unceasing servant of the people who gave his all for the promise of a better Kenya.
On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my deepest condolences to Mama Ida Odinga; his children, Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie; and the entire Odinga family; to the leadership and members of the Orange Democratic Movement, and to all Kenyans who share in this immense and immeasurable loss.
In honour of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga’s extraordinary contribution to our nation, I have declared a 7-day period of national mourning… Our former prime minister… shall be accorded a state funeral with all attendant honours.
… Let us come together … not as rivals, but as brothers and sisters bound by a shared destiny.” NTV Kenya

What Others Are Saying

• The Guardian describes Raila as a “towering opposition figure” and notes that his passing marks the end of an era for Kenyan politics. The Guardian

• AP News reports that Raila collapsed during a morning walk in India and highlights his long history of democratic activism. AP News+2AP News+2

• Financial Times calls him a “colossus of Kenya’s modern politics” who, despite controversies, left an indelible mark on the country’s trajectory. Financial Times

• Reuters confirms his death and underlines that though he never became president, his influence often outweighed his formal positions. Reuters

Reflections & What’s Next

Raila Odinga’s life and passing raise many questions for Kenya’s political future:

• Who will lead the opposition now that one of its most formidable voices is gone?

• Will Kenya’s path to reform, constitutionalism, and electoral justice continue with renewed vigor or face new challenges?

• How will political alliances shift ahead of the 2027 elections, especially given Raila’s recent rapprochement with President Ruto? Reuters+3Al Jazeera+3AP News+3

His legacy is strong: for better or worse, Raila Odinga shaped Kenya’s democratic evolution. He stood for activism, vocal dissent, and the persistent hope of a more just society.

As Kenya mourns, it also looks inward—reflecting on the ideals he espoused and the future he long sought. May his memory inspire a renewed commitment to integrity, inclusion, and service.