On October 15, 2025, Kenya lost one of its most influential and enduring political figures: Raila Amollo Odinga. The former Prime Minister, who died at age 80 while receiving medical treatment in India, leaves behind a legacy that stretches across decades of struggle, reform, and national unity. The outpouring of grief and admiration from Kenyans and international leaders alike has underscored the remarkable impact Odinga had not just on his homeland, but on the wider world.
Odinga’s passing was met with immediate and heartfelt tributes from across the globe. Russia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a statement released on October 17 and shared by its embassy in Kenya, described Raila as “an outstanding Kenyan statesman and public figure who played a vital role in shaping Kenya’s modern political history.” According to the statement, “For decades, R. Odinga held key positions in the Government and Parliament. From 2008 to 2013, he served as Prime Minister and enjoyed well-deserved respect not only within Kenya but also abroad.” Russia recognized Odinga’s contribution to strengthening Kenya’s national unity and consolidating its position on the international stage, noting that his “respectful attitude toward our country and his commitment to maintaining and developing constructive dialogue and mutual understanding between the two states” made him a friend of Moscow.
But it was not only foreign governments that mourned Odinga’s loss. Former U.S. President Barack Obama, whose own ties to Kenya are well documented, released a statement early on October 18 calling Odinga “a true champion of democracy.” Obama recalled witnessing firsthand Odinga’s commitment to Kenya, saying, “Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values.” Obama, joined by former First Lady Michelle Obama, extended “our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya,” and emphasized that Odinga’s example “set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world.”
The sense of loss was palpable at home. Raila Odinga’s body arrived in Kisumu, his lakeside hometown, on October 18 to a sea of mourners. According to AFP, thousands thronged the city’s main stadium, waving flags and chanting as Odinga’s coffin was flown in by helicopter. The crowd’s emotions ran high, with moments of chaos erupting as people breached security gates and climbed walls to gain entry into the already packed venue. Security forces struggled to maintain order, a testament to the deep affection and reverence many Kenyans felt for the man often called the “People’s President.”
Odinga’s state funeral was a national event, drawing leaders from across Africa and beyond. President William Ruto suspended his official engagements for seven days, declared October 17 a public holiday, and announced that Odinga would receive a state burial to honor his immense contribution to the country. The funeral service at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium brought together dignitaries, clergy, and ordinary citizens alike, all united in their grief and respect for a man whose political career spanned more than forty years.
Born in a Church Missionary Society hospital, Odinga was a devout Anglican, active in Nairobi’s All Saints’ Cathedral and frequently attending services in the Diocese of Bondo, his native region in southwestern Kenya. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life, and his funeral rites were presided over by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, the Anglican Church of Kenya’s primate. As Ole Sapit said, “His varied roles and dedicated service to our beloved country, whether as a Member of Parliament for Kibera (1993-2013), Cabinet Minister and later as Prime Minister (2007-13), have always modeled excellence. As a longtime opposition leader, and with unwavering sense of duty and resilient spirit he always inspired courage and conviction among both political allies and competitors alike.”
Odinga’s path was never easy. Trained as an engineer in East Germany during the Cold War, he returned to Kenya as a committed pan-Africanist, quickly rising to prominence as an advocate for multiparty democracy and constitutional reform. His five unsuccessful bids for the presidency tested Kenya’s institutions, most notably in 2017 when the Supreme Court nullified the election results after Odinga’s allegations of fraud—a first in Africa. He is also remembered as Kenya’s longest-serving political detainee, having been held without trial for a total of six years on treason charges during Daniel Arap Moi’s regime.
His courage and advocacy inspired not just Kenyans, but fellow reformers across the continent. David Coltart, mayor of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and a fellow Anglican, praised Odinga as “a staunch advocate for democrats in Zimbabwe,” recalling how Odinga stood by those who opposed tyranny in Zimbabwe “when it was unfashionable to do so.”
Odinga’s personal life was also in the spotlight during the period of national mourning. His wife, Ida Odinga, received widespread admiration for her regal and graceful appearance at the state funeral. Dressed in a black suit-like dress with gold detailing, a silk scarf, and understated makeup, Ida’s strength and composure were praised on social media. Videos showed her glam team helping her prepare for the day, offering moments of levity that brought a smile to her face even in the midst of grief. As one Kenyan remarked online, “She is the living image of a wife treated with love, respect, appreciation, and care.”
Bishop David Kodia of Bondo, who last saw Odinga in June when Ida was made an honorary canon of the diocese, echoed the nation’s sentiments: “We stand with the family, the nation, and Christians of Bondo in paying tribute to Rt. Hon Raila Odinga. R.I.P.” The Rev. Carolyne Adhola, who had interacted with Odinga in Bondo, reflected on his humility and courage, recalling, “He fought the good fight for his country. May his death be a lesson to everyone and more particularly to the political class that human beings are mortal and we need God to teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
As Kenya and the world bid farewell to Raila Odinga, the tributes have painted a portrait of a leader whose life was defined by sacrifice, vision, and an unwavering commitment to democracy. Whether remembered for his role in the 2007 power-sharing agreement that introduced Kenya’s current system of government, his years in detention, or his enduring advocacy for justice and unity, Odinga’s legacy stands as one of the most significant in African political history. His journey, marked by both triumph and adversity, continues to inspire those who seek a more just and inclusive society.