Kenya Mourns as Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, Passes Away

Hundreds of Kenyans and notable figures gathered at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on October 17th 2025, to pay their respects to the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, at his state funeral.

The former figurehead passed away at the age of 80 after suffering a heart attack on October 15th, during a morning walk at a health clinic in Southern India, where he was receiving treatment. Krishnan, a superintendent of police in Kerala, India, confirmed that Odinga was pronounced dead after being rushed to Devamatha private hospital.

During a speech at the funeral, Odinga’s daughter, Winnie, recounted her memory of her father, ‘I watched him at his best. I watched him fall and rise again, each time with grace, forgiveness, and hope.”

Being one of the most revered political figures in Kenya, Odinga’s death has attracted condolences from prominent national and international figures. 

In a tribute to the late Prime Minister, President of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto said, “Through his words and deeds, he taught us that true patriotism is not measured by what we receive from our country, but by what we are willing to give in service to it.”

Similarly, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, commented on Odinga’s death via his official X handle, “Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India.”

Former United States president, Barack Obama, equally sympathized with Kenyans, saying, “Raila Odinga was a true champion of democracy. A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya…I know he will be missed.”

Many Kenyans, who fondly referred to Odinga as ‘Baba’, also took to social media to express their sadness about his death. One user commented, “Every man dies. Not all men live. Baba Raila Amolo Odinga lived. Impactful both in life and death.”

Raila Odinga was born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kenya. As the son of Kenya’s first vice president, Odinga’s exposure to politics began from early childhood. It wasn’t until the late 90s, however, that he became actively involved in politics.

Odinga was notable for his fight against one-party dictatorship in Kenya. In 1982, Odinga was arrested and imprisoned for six years after allegedly plotting a coup against then-president Daniel Arap Moi.

Despite running for the office of the presidency five times, Odinga never won any elections. He however, occupied various positions in Kenya, including Minister of Roads, Public Works, and Housing (2003-2005), Minister of Energy (2001-2002), and Prime Minister (2008-2013).

As Kenyans continue to turn up in numbers to mourn the death of the former Prime Minister, his wife, Ida Odinga, urges people to remain peaceful and avoid repeating the tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of others.