Raila Odinga Dies at 80 in India

Renowned Kenyan political figure Raila Amolo Odinga has died at the age of 80, following a cardiac arrest while in India, his office and Kenyan media confirmed. 

Odinga, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, was in India ostensibly for medical treatment when he collapsed during a morning walk and was rushed to a hospital in the state of Kerala. Reports suggest he was undergoing Ayurvedic therapy at the time. 

A Life in Politics

• Born January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kenya, Odinga was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga — the country’s first vice president.  
• Over several decades, he became perhaps Kenya’s most formidable opposition leader, contesting in five presidential elections. Though he never clinched the presidency, his influence on Kenya’s democracy was unmistakable.  
• He was instrumental in pushing for multiparty democracy in Kenya in the early 1990s, and later played a key role in constitutional reforms culminating in the adoption of the 2010 constitution.  
• Even in his later years, he remained a central figure in coalition-building and national politics, most recently forging a partnership with President William Ruto.  

Reactions and Legacy

News of Odinga’s death has sent shockwaves throughout Kenya and the wider region. Condolences are pouring in from political leaders, civil society, and citizens alike. 

President William Ruto expressed deep sorrow, describing Odinga as “a statesman who shaped Kenya’s political evolution.” 

Across social media and news outlets, tributes have hailed Odinga as a catalyst for political reform, a champion of democracy, and a unifying figure in turbulent times. Many comment on his resilience — having lost multiple elections, yet never bowing out of Kenya’s political discourse. 

What Comes Next

Odinga’s passing leaves a vacuum in Kenya’s political opposition, especially at a time when coalition politics play a defining role in governance. How the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and allied forces reposition themselves in the aftermath will be one of the key political tales of 2026.

Funeral arrangements and further state protocols are expected to be announced in the coming days.