Raila Odinga, Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Dies at 80

 

Kenya is in mourning following the death of Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, the former Prime Minister and long-time opposition leader, who passed away earlier today at the age of 80.

The announcement was made by the Odinga family through a brief statement shared with the media, confirming that Mr. Odinga died peacefully at his home in Runda, Nairobi, surrounded by close family members.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and statesman, Raila Amollo Odinga,” the family said. “We ask for privacy during this period of grief as we come to terms with this monumental loss.”

A Political Giant

Raila Odinga was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, known for his tireless advocacy for democracy, constitutional reform, and social justice over more than four decades.

He served as Kenya’s second Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government, following a disputed 2007 presidential election. He also held several ministerial portfolios over the years, including Energy and Roads, and was Member of Parliament for Lang’ata for two decades (1992–2013).

As the founding leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila remained the face of Kenya’s opposition politics and contested the presidency five times — in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 — coming closest to power in highly contested polls that shaped the country’s political history.

He was widely regarded as the "father of Kenya’s second liberation," having been detained without trial for nearly a decade during the Moi regime due to his pro-democracy activism.

A National Mourning Period Declared

President William Ruto has led the country in paying tribute, describing Raila Odinga as “a fearless fighter, a patriot, and a man who gave everything for Kenya.”

“In Raila Odinga, Kenya has lost a true son of the soil. His contribution to our democracy, our freedoms, and our national identity is immeasurable,” said President Ruto, who also announced a seven-day period of national mourning, during which flags will fly at half-mast.

Messages of condolence have poured in from across the political divide, the East African region, and the international community.

Legacy and Final Days

Though he never ascended to the presidency, Raila Odinga’s political legacy remains unmatched in post-independence Kenya. He is remembered as a bridge-builder, peacemaker, and symbol of resilience — known for his boldness in speaking truth to power and his willingness to pursue peace, most famously in the 2018 “handshake” with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Raila is survived by his wife Ida Odinga, children, and grandchildren.