Kenya has declared seven days of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, one of the country’s most influential political figures, who passed away in India on Wednesday at the age of 80.
President William Ruto announced the mourning period and paid an emotional tribute to the veteran leader, describing him as “a man whose will, leadership and vision shaped our country.” Odinga, the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga — a key figure in Kenya’s struggle for independence and the nation’s first vice president — leaves behind a legacy that spans more than four decades of political life.
In his address, President Ruto said, “With unwavering faith in the values of our nation and the character of our people, the Honorable Raila Odinga led the fight for democracy and paved the way for our new constitutional order.”
He described Odinga as “a peacemaker who always put the interests of the country first,” adding that “his optimism, strength and humility embodied the Kenyan spirit.”
A tireless advocate for democratic reform, Odinga ran unsuccessfully in five presidential elections but remained a central figure in shaping Kenya’s modern political identity. “He firmly believed that our best days were yet to come… He followed a path guided by conviction,” Ruto said, recalling Odinga’s persistence and resilience through decades of struggle.
“He bore the scars of struggle with dignity, aware that freedom comes at a price and truth often requires sacrifice,” the president added, paying homage to a life he called “a testament to the enduring power of a vision based on democracy, justice and unity.”
Ruto concluded by describing Odinga as “a patriot, a pan-Africanist, a global statesman and a progressive reformer,” saying his legacy would continue to inspire “future generations in Kenya, Africa and beyond.”
Tributes have also poured in from across the world. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Odinga as “a true statesman whose sincere friendship with India will remain forever etched in our memories.”
Raila Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics — one defined by courage, conviction, and a lifelong pursuit of democratic ideals.
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