When Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya died on October 15, 2025, the continent’s political elite paused to reflect on a man many called Africa’s democratic stalwart.
He passed away at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India, after collapsing during a morning walk. The news arrived just after a quiet ceremony in Nairobi, where President William Ruto announced a seven‑day national mourning period and a state funeral.
Background: A Life Woven into Kenya’s Democratic Fabric
Odinga’s political journey began in the early 1990s, when he was detained for championing multiparty rule against the authoritarian regime of President Daniel arap Moi. The son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President, he inherited a legacy of opposition that would define his own career.
After a 2005 referendum that sparked violent unrest, a power‑sharing deal placed him as the country’s first Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. Since then, he contested the presidency five times, each campaign ending in narrow defeats but solidifying his reputation as a relentless freedom fighter.
The most recent chapter in his saga unfolded last year when he signed a historic pact with President Ruto, integrating his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into the government’s cabinet. The agreement, hailed as a breakthrough for political inclusivity, promised a smoother path for electoral reforms.
Immediate Reactions: Condolences Across the Continent
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria issued a heartfelt statement through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu described Odinga as “a towering figure in African politics and a champion of democracy and justice,” adding that his legacy would “continue to guide Kenya towards peace, unity, and progress.”
In Nairobi, President William Ruto declared a week‑long period of mourning, postponing all public engagements as a mark of respect. His statement called Odinga “Kenya’s foremost statesman and one of Africa’s greatest sons… a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter and a tireless warrior of good governance.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, noting that the loss of “a towering statesman” was felt not just in Kenya but across the international community.
Details of the Tragic Event
The Devamatha Hospital confirmed that Odinga suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while on a brisk walk around the hospital grounds. Resuscitation attempts failed, and he was pronounced dead at 8:17 a.m. local time. According to the hospital’s statement, he had been in India for routine cardiac monitoring, reflecting his long‑standing health concerns.
Family members, including his wife and daughter, were flown to Kerala to be with him in his final hours. Kenyan officials have requested the hospital’s full medical report, though they have already pledged a state funeral at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium, with the exact date to be set after the mourning period.
Political Impact: What This Means for Kenya’s Power‑Sharing Experiment
The death of a figure who symbolized opposition‑to‑government dialogue raises questions about the durability of the Ruto‑Odinga pact. Political analysts note that while the agreement had already begun delivering cabinet posts to ODM members, the personal chemistry between the two leaders was a key glue.
“Odinga’s ability to bridge divides was unique,” said Dr. Miriam Karanja, a senior fellow at the Nairobi Institute of Governance. “His absence could test the resolve of younger politicians who may not share his conciliatory instincts.”
Nevertheless, President Ruto has vowed to honour the pact, emphasizing that Kenya’s democratic trajectory will not be derailed by one man’s passing. He appealed to the nation’s youth, urging them to continue the fight for “transparent elections and accountable leadership.”
Regional Responses: A Continental Moment of Reflection
Beyond Nigeria and India, leaders from South Africa, Ethiopia, and the African Union issued statements highlighting Odinga’s role in championing Pan‑Africanism. The AU’s chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, noted that Odinga’s “relentless pursuit of electoral reforms” resonated with the union’s own agenda for credible elections across member states.
In Ghana, President Nana Akufo‑Addo recalled a 2012 meeting where Odinga urged regional cooperation on climate policy, showing that his influence extended well beyond Kenya’s borders.
These tributes underscore a broader sentiment: the loss of a veteran statesman is felt as a collective setback for the continent’s democratic maturation.
Future Outlook: Keeping the Dream Alive
With a week of national mourning slated to begin immediately, Kenya will watch closely how its political institutions navigate the transition. The upcoming state funeral will likely become a platform for both mourning and political signaling, as allies and rivals alike pay respects.
Experts suggest that the ODM’s next steps will be crucial. If the party can consolidate its new cabinet members and push forward with electoral reform bills, Odinga’s legacy could be cemented in legislation rather than merely memory.
Meanwhile, the broader African community faces a subtle reminder: the fight for democracy is ongoing, and the torch handed down by leaders like Odinga must be kept alight by the next generation.
Key Facts
- Raila Odinga died on 15 Oct 2025 at Devamatha Hospital, Kerala, India.
- He was 80 years old and suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk.
- President William Ruto announced a seven‑day national mourning period and a state funeral.
- Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised Odinga as a “towering figure in African politics.”
- The death comes months after Odinga signed a power‑sharing pact with Ruto.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Odinga’s death affect the ODM’s role in Kenya’s government?
The ODM now operates without its most senior figure, but the party retains the cabinet seats secured by the recent pact. Analysts say younger leaders will need to step up quickly to keep reform momentum alive and avoid internal fractures.
What were the circumstances surrounding Odinga’s medical treatment in India?
Odinga had been traveling to Kerala for routine cardiac monitoring and a series of follow‑up tests. The Devamatha Hospital confirmed he collapsed during a walk on the hospital grounds, and despite immediate resuscitation attempts, he could not be revived.
Why did President Tinubu issue a statement on Odinga’s death?
Tinubu highlighted Odinga’s Pan‑African contributions and the close diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Kenya. His statement, signed by adviser Bayo Onanuga, was meant to underscore regional solidarity in a moment of shared mourning.
What is the timeline for the state funeral and mourning period?
President Ruto announced that the seven‑day national mourning starts immediately after the announcement on 15 Oct 2025. The exact date for the state funeral at Kasarani Stadium will be set after the mourning week concludes.
How have other African leaders responded to the news?
Leaders from South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, and the African Union issued statements praising Odinga’s democratic advocacy and calling for the continuation of his reform agenda across the continent.
Written by Rupert Greenlow
View all posts by: Rupert Greenlow