Veteran Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80 during a health-related visit to India, according to local police sources on Wednesday.
Odinga, a towering figure in Kenya’s political landscape for over four decades, passed away after collapsing while walking with family members and his personal doctor.
“He was walking with his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor when he suddenly collapsed,” an Indian police official told AFP. “An Indian police security officer and a Kenyan security officer were also present. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital but was declared dead on arrival.”
While the cause of death has not been officially confirmed, a member of Odinga’s political team also verified the news to AFP, requesting anonymity pending an official statement from the party.
A Legacy of Resilience and Political Tenacity
Raila Odinga was widely regarded as the perennial opposition figure in Kenya, having run for the presidency five times, in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, but never clinching the top seat.
Despite his electoral defeats, Odinga remained a powerful and influential voice in Kenyan politics, drawing massive support, particularly from his native western Kenya and among youth and reform advocates across the country.
He served in various government roles, including as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, following a historic power-sharing agreement that ended the post-election violence of 2007–2008 — the worst political crisis in Kenya since independence.
International Reaction and Awaited Statement
As news of Raila Odinga’s death spreads, tributes have begun pouring in from across Kenya and the global political community. However, the Odinga family and his political party are yet to issue a formal statement.
His passing marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics and is expected to have wide-reaching implications for the country’s future political direction.
