Raila Odinga, Icon of Kenyan Politics, Dies at 80

Nairobi, Oct 15 (AP) - Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya and a longstanding presidential contender known for his populist campaigns that greatly influenced his country’s political landscape, has died at the age of 80. Odinga suffered a heart attack while in India and passed away on Wednesday. The Devamatha Hospital in Kerala State, India, confirmed his death after attempts to resuscitate him proved unsuccessful.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the social platform X, describing Odinga as “a towering statesman.” Tributes have highlighted Odinga's dedication to democracy in Kenya. At his Nairobi residence, Kenyan President William Ruto joined mourners to pay their respects.

Recently, Odinga forged a political agreement with President Ruto which involved his opposition party in government policymaking and saw party members appointed to the cabinet. Yet, Odinga's ultimate aspiration had been the presidency; he ran for this office five times over a span of thirty years. Many believed he came close to winning, especially in the disputed 2007 election when he narrowly lost to Mwai Kibaki amid ethnic tensions and violence.

Although not becoming president, Odinga remained a revered figure. His activism was significant in transitioning Kenya from single-party rule to a vibrant multiparty democracy. During the 2007 elections, Odinga, representing the Luo ethnic group, built a coalition of tribal leaders and huge crowds rallied behind him. Kibaki, representing the Kikuyu group, saw economic success overshadowed by corruption scandals, which led to the close election results – Odinga’s 44% to Kibaki’s 46%.

Alleging irregularities, Odinga’s supporters rejected the election results, leading to protests and ethnic violence when Kibaki was inaugurated. Hundreds died, tarnishing Kenya’s image as a stable democracy in a volatile region. While Odinga was not accused of inciting violence, some, including future presidents Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta, faced charges by the International Criminal Court, which ultimately were dismissed due to alleged witness intimidation and political pressure.

Following this turmoil, Odinga became Prime Minister in a unity government formed with international mediation. He would unsuccessfully contest the presidency three more times.

Odinga’s political journey began with early activism against the one-party rule of President Daniel arap Moi in the 1980s, which led to a treason charge after being linked to a failed 1982 coup attempt by air force officers. Although charges were dropped, he spent years in detention where he endured harsh conditions and alleged torture. In 1991, Odinga briefly sought exile in Europe.

Returning to Kenya in 1992, Odinga was elected to the national assembly as an opposition MP advocating against corruption and poverty. In 2001, he joined Moi’s government as energy minister but failed to become the ruling party's presidential candidate. He played a key role in Kibaki’s rise to power in the 2002 presidential race, before becoming his rival in 2007.

Despite his advancing age, Odinga maintained his vigor for politics, known for mobilizing support effectively. After his fourth presidential loss in 2017, Odinga told The Associated Press that street protests were a constitutional democratic right, stating, “If a regime is undemocratic, if a regime does not enjoy legitimacy, the people are justified to resist that regime.”

In the 2022 presidential race, Odinga, supported by outgoing President Kenyatta, lost to Ruto and claimed electoral malpractice, which led to protests. Earlier in 2025, he failed to secure the role of executive head of the African Union Commission. Odinga is survived by his wife, Ida. (AP) RD RD

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