Former Kenya Prime Minister Raila Odinga don die at di age of 80
Former Kenya Prime Minister Raila Odinga don die at di age of 80 im family don confam.
As opposition leader, Odinga lost all five of im presidential campaigns, wit two of di votes wey lead to violence and deaths.
Im work as democracy activist ova di years bin help to seal two of di kontri most important reforms: multiparty democracy for 1991 and new constitution for 2010.
E bin lead di protests afta di 2007 election wey throw di kontri into im most serious episode of political violence since independence. Na about 1,300 pipo die and hundreds of thousands bin dey displaced from dia homes for di battles
Afta im most recent defeat for 2022, e later join President William Ruto for govment, dis move bring several of im allies into key positions.
E defend dis move as necessary for national unity, dis na afta di nationwide protest last year wia dozens of protesters die during dia confrontations wit security officers afta dem storm di parliaments.
Di Ruto administration back Odinga bid to become di chairperson of di African Union Commission, in di elections wey hold earlier dis year. Despite di strong regional support, e lose to Djibouti representative Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Odinga inspire many throughout im political career, especially for western Kenya, wia e come from.
Im supporters dey call am “Baba” (Father), “Agwambo” (Act of God), and “Tinga” (Tractor) – wey dem get from im party symbol during di 1997 elections.
Dem dey widely regard am as di master strategist and mass mobiliser, e dey always draw big crowds to im political rallies, and e get deep ability to connect wit di ordinary pipo.
Pipo go remember am for im strong fight for democratic freedoms and human rights.
Na former political prisoner, and e hold di record for di Kenyan longest-serving detainee. Im struggle against one-party dictatorship make dem detain am twice (from 1982 to 1988 and 1989 to 1991) during di rule of Daniel arap Moi.
Initially dem imprison am for trying to stage coup in 1982, na dis make am national icon.
Reactions from Africa leaders as dem mourn di death of Raila Odinga
Saddened to hear of the passing of former PM @RailaOdinga. We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Kenya, the Odinga family, President @WilliamsRuto and all those touched by this towering advocate for democracy. His legacy will endure. May he rest in eternal peace. HH pic.twitter.com/V35ExsyiHk
— Hakainde Hichilema (@HHichilema) October 15, 2025
On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. May he Rest In Peace.
— Abiy Ahmed Ali 🇪🇹 (@AbiyAhmedAli) October 15, 2025
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. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued… pic.twitter.com/Nmya9C3LZi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2025
I am shocked to learn of the demise of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, a patriot, a pan-Africanist, a democrat and a leader who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and in Africa.
Kenya has lost one of its most formidable leaders who shaped… pic.twitter.com/md6vfXyt9f
— David Maraga (@dkmaraga) October 15, 2025