Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80, family sources have reported. Odinga passed away on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in India.
In recent weeks, there had been speculation about his health, although family members and political allies had dismissed reports suggesting he was critically ill. The news of his death has triggered an outpouring of condolences from politicians and leaders worldwide, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
A resolute political mobilizer, Odinga ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times, consistently claiming that each defeat was a result of electoral fraud.
He was vindicated by Kenya's highest court after the 2017 elections when the court annulled Uhuru Kenyatta's victory and ordered fresh elections. However, Odinga boycotted the rerun, demanding crucial electoral reforms.
The disputed 2007 election, in which he claimed he was robbed of victory by Mwai Kibaki, led to a significant national crisis, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and displacing about 600,000 individuals.
To resolve the conflict, a power-sharing deal brokered by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan resulted in Odinga becoming Prime Minister.
Throughout his career, Odinga was recognized for reconciling with sitting presidents post-election disputes. Following his latest defeat in 2022, he joined forces with President William Ruto to form a broad-based government, emphasizing national unity amidst previous nationwide protests that had been met with violence.
Despite strong support for his bid for chairperson of the African Union Commission this year, Odinga was unsuccessful in the elections, losing to Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Raila Odinga was a figure of inspiration for many, especially in western Kenya, where he built a loyal following. His supporters lovingly referred to him as Baba (Father), Agwambo (Act of God), and Tinga (Tractor), highlighting their deep affection.
He was recognized as a master strategist, capable of mobilizing massive crowds for his rallies, and was deeply connected to ordinary Kenyans.
Odinga's legacy includes his unwavering fight for democratic freedoms and human rights, having been a political prisoner during Kenya's struggles against dictatorship in the 1980s and 90s.
Initially detained for attempting a coup in 1982, he later became a symbol of resistance against oppressive regimes.
His passing marks the end of an era for Kenyan politics.
