WORLD MOURNS RAILA ODINGA

The globe is in mourning following the passing on of Kenya's former Prime Minister and veteran opposition leader Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment in Kochi, India.
He was 80 years old.

Odinga, affectionately known all over Kenya as "Baba" and revered all over Africa as a champion of democracy and good governance, died after suffering a cardiac arrest while out for a morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre.

Indian dailies Mathrubhumi and The Hindu report that Odinga fell around 7:45 a.m. while out for a walk with his sister, daughter, and personal physician.

He was rushed to a local private hospital but was pronounced dead a few minutes later.

Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Western Kenya, Raila Odinga was the son of Kenya's first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and went on to become one of the most high-profile leaders in the nation's political history.

His name became synonymous with the struggle for multi-party democracy and constitutional reform.

His demise has been received with condolences from both sides of the political divide, with many eulogizing how he cemented democracy, guaranteed good governance, and facilitated national cohesion.
"On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing away of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Rest in Peace." Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia declared.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday morning in India, as a “brother, friend and patriot” whose passing has left a deep void in the nation.

The 80-year-old passed away after collapsing in the Indian city of Kochi, where he had been under treatment for an undisclosed illness.

In a statement, Kenyatta said he received the news of Raila’s death with “profound and deeply personal grief,” adding that the country had lost a leader whose voice of conviction and courage helped shape Kenya’s political history.
“My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction,” he said.

“Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved. At some point, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense,” the former president said.

“Baba, as we fondly referred to him, was a man who made you sharpen your own ideas, compelling you to defend your positions with rigor and passion.”

“I saw firsthand his unwavering passion for this country, his deep-seated belief in justice, and his incredible capacity to think beyond personal ambition for the sake of national peace,” he said.
“I have lost a friend and a brother. I will miss our conversations – sometimes challenging, always insightful – and the fire of belief that never left his eyes,”
“You have shared Baba with Kenya for a lifetime, and we mourn with you. We have lost a father to the nation, a steadfast champion for the people, and a true son of Kenya,” he said.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has paid an emotional tribute to the late Raila Odinga, describing him as a brother, friend, and champion of Kenya's democratic journey.

In a heartfelt message, Musyoka expressed deep sorrow following the passing of Kenya's Second Prime Minister, who died earlier in the day at the age of 80.
"At the heart of the struggle for multipartyism, Raila's body bore the scars of the slings and arrows, bullets and batons, that no man or woman should ever endure.We learnt a lot from each other, and, shared a lot of pain together.Kenya has lost an exemplary leader, the President who won but was never declared and sworn into office. The loss of Rt Hon Raila Odinga is not only a loss to his family and country, but also to the entire African continent.''

"My condolences to the Raila Odinga family. His time has come. What gives me hope is that one year ago a generation that would liberate Kenya from the shackles of bad leadership and corruption was born. Viva the revolution, viva." Boniface Mwangi tweeted.

Miguna Miguna also confirmed the news, declaring, "I've just received the bad news. Our condolences to Raila Odinga's family. Rest in peace, Jakom."

Former Chief Justice of Kenya, David Maraga, mourned his passing as amplifying their contribution towards the development of the country.

He described the late as among the strongest leaders of Kenya and Africa's voice of peace and development.

"Kenya has lost one of its strongest leaders who shaped the direction of our beloved country. Africa lost a voice at the center of fighting for peace, security and development."
"The world has lost an extraordinary leader."

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o, one of Odinga's most long-time political friends, penned a moving obituary titled "A Tribute to the Enigma, the Son of the Soil." "A lion has returned to the mountain," Nyong'o asserted.

"The storm has passed, but the thunder of his footsteps will echo for generations. Raila Odinga was never a politician — he was a movement."

From across the political divide, Martha Karua, leader of People's Liberation Party, remembered Odinga as "a fearless champion of the people and a firm comrade in the struggle for Kenya's second liberation." Even politicians with differences in the political divide expressed their condolences.

Former Deputy President Gachagua described Odinga as "a hero celebrated home and away," in acknowledgment of his invincible determination and commitment to democracy irrespective of decades of political rivalry.

Though we have never been on the same side of politics, I have always admired his art of endurance," Gachagua said. "He is a hero who has not left us — he's just faded away."

From Addis Ababa to New Delhi, Kampala to Lusaka, tributes poured in, extolling as a lion of democracy and true Pan-Africanist a man many called him that.

In Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali sent condolences in the name of his administration, describing Odinga "a patriot and a leader whose contributions to democracy will be remembered across Africa."

Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu described Odinga 'one of Africa's most iconic sons,' whose unflinching devotion to justice and unity inspired generations.

"His life-long battle for freedom and equality influenced generations of Kenyans and beyond," said Dr. Workneh. "His legacy will forever echo in the democratic roots he helped create."

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan also paid tribute to Odinga in a Swahili-written statement in which she recalled him as 'a great leader, a lover of peace, and a pan-Africanist thinker whose reach went far wider than the shores of Kenya.'

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan eulogized Odinga in a Swahili-composed message, describing him as 'a great leader, a peace lover, and a pan-African visionary whose spirit transcended Kenya's boundaries.'

"This is a loss for all of us across East Africa and the continent," she shared. "May God comfort his family and rest his soul in peace forever.".

From Uganda, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa corroborated that Odinga was instrumental in cementing regional relations, typically mediating behind the scenes in disputes between neighboring countries.

"He was unselfish in advancing the interests of Kenyans and the region at large," Tayebwa wrote. "He taught us that leadership is about serving one's nation first."

In Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema hailed Odinga as "a towering champion of democracy," stating his legacy "will live on long after his death." Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh also offered his respects, calling Odinga "a visionary leader whose voice for justice rang out far beyond his own country."

Outside Africa, Odinga’s passing resonated deeply with global leaders. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described Odinga as “a cherished friend of India,” shared personal memories of their long-standing friendship dating back to Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

He adored India, our culture and our age-old tradition," Modi stated. "He particularly respected Ayurveda, having witnessed its impact on his daughter's well-being. India has lost a good friend."

Tributes at home were filled with sadness and wonder for a man who personified Kenya's modern political identity.

“I want to take this opportunity to clarify this, there have been a lot of rumours about our party leader, Raila Odinga, that he is very sick, that he is almost dying, and that he is completely out," the senator told journalists in Ugunja.

"But I want to let you know that he is on the move, and he is just like any other human being who was indisposed a little bit, and he is now resting and recovering, but he was not in those conditions alleged."
His party also rejected the allegations that Odinga was battling with health problems.

In a national address from the State House on October 15, President William Ruto described Raila Odinga as a pathfinder in Kenyan politics and an unwavering champion of democracy.
He said that Raila championed the reforms that Kenyans hold dear and that his vision chopped the trail for the course of the country's history.

President William Ruto has declared a seven-day national mourning following the demise on of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.During the duration, the National Flag will be hoisted at half-mast in Kenya as well as all diplomatic missions abroad.
"In remembrance of Raila Odinga, I have declared 7 days of Mourning," Ruto said.

In a show of respect, President Ruto publicly announced canceling all his events to accompany Kenyans in mourning and contemplation.
A joint committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has been established to arrange the funeral details.

In consultation with the family, a committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and my brother, Senator Oburu Oginga of Siaya, has been set up to arrange the funeral," Ruto stated.
The government of India, on Kenya's request, will also arrange repatriation of Raila's body.

A team led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi — and including Mama Ida Odinga, Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Hassan Joho, National Assembly leaders Kimani Ichung'wah and Junet Mohamed, and members of the family — has traveled to India to oversee the process.

In his address, President Ruto had called Raila "a beacon of courage, a tower of principle, and a father of our democracy," urging Kenyans to unite in respect for his legacy and reflect on the enduring lessons of his life.
Ruto eulogized him as one-in-a-generation leader — a giant in the democratic firmament of Kenya and a statesman. "For decades, Raila dedicated his life to the cause of justice, equity, and liberty. He endured detention and persecution so that this nation might know and enjoy democracy," Ruto stated.

He pushed for reforms that led to the liberties and rights we enjoy today. He portrayed a voice for the underprivileged, his commitment inspired generations, and his vision controlled the course of history.