Raila Odinga, Kenyan opposition leader, dies at 80

Kenya’s former Prime Minister and long-standing opposition leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, has died at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in India. His passing was confirmed by Kenya’s President William Ruto in a televised address on Sunday evening.

President Ruto described Mr Odinga as a patriot who dedicated his life to Kenya’s democratic struggle and development. Details regarding the cause of death have not yet been made public.

Political Career and Legacy

Raila Odinga was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures for more than four decades. He served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 in a coalition government that was formed after the disputed 2007 elections, which led to widespread violence that claimed over one thousand lives.

Born in 1945 in Maseno, western Kenya, Mr Odinga was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the country’s first Vice President after independence. He entered politics in the 1980s and became a central figure in Kenya’s struggle for multi-party democracy. He was detained several times by the Moi government for his involvement in pro-democracy movements.

Mr Odinga contested five presidential elections between 1997 and 2022. He claimed victory in several of them but lost in the official tallies. He consistently alleged electoral irregularities and called for reforms in Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Role in Kenya’s Transition and Reforms

Mr Odinga played a significant role in shaping Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, which introduced a devolved system of government and strengthened the judiciary. He also advocated for anti-corruption measures and electoral transparency.

In 2018, he reached a political truce with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, known as the handshake, which helped ease political tensions and brought a period of relative stability. Despite his role in opposition, Mr Odinga remained a central figure in Kenya’s national dialogue and governance debates.

Regional and Continental Influence

Mr Odinga was widely regarded as one of East Africa’s most influential political figures. He served as the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development, promoting regional projects that connected Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania through transport and energy networks.

His leadership and advocacy extended beyond Kenya’s borders. He represented the continent’s democratic aspirations in various international forums and often spoke on the need for good governance in Africa.

Reactions and Arrangements

President Ruto has declared a period of national mourning, with flags to fly at half-mast across the country. Leaders from across Africa, including South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, have sent condolences, describing Mr Odinga as a pillar of African democracy.

Family representatives confirmed that arrangements are being made to repatriate his body to Kenya. Funeral details are expected to be announced by the Kenyan government in coordination with his family.

End of an Era

Mr Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics that was defined by resilience, contestation, and reform. His life traced the arc of Kenya’s democratic journey from one-party rule to a multi-party system and the country’s ongoing pursuit of electoral integrity.

He is survived by his wife, Ida Odinga, and their children.