Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga Dies at 80

Nairobi, Kenya — Kenya’s veteran opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has died at the age of 80, family sources have confirmed to the BBC.

Odinga passed away on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in India.

In recent weeks, speculation had swirled about his health, though family members and political allies had dismissed reports suggesting he was critically ill.

A towering figure in Kenyan politics for more than four decades, Odinga was widely regarded as one of the country’s most influential and resilient politicians. He ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times, repeatedly challenging results he claimed were rigged against him.

His most notable political victory came in 2017, when the Supreme Court of Kenya annulled President Uhuru Kenyatta’s election win after Odinga’s petition, marking the first such ruling in Africa. However, he later boycotted the re-run, demanding sweeping electoral reforms.

Despite years of political rivalry, Odinga frequently reconciled with sitting presidents after divisive elections. Following his 2022 defeat to President William Ruto, he joined a broad-based government, a move he said was essential for national unity after months of widespread protests that saw dozens killed in clashes with security forces.

Earlier this year, the Ruto administration supported Odinga’s bid to become Chairperson of the African Union Commission, though he narrowly lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf despite strong regional backing.

Born in Maseno, western Kenya, Odinga inspired immense loyalty and affection among his supporters, who fondly called him “Baba” (Father), “Agwambo” (Act of God), and “Tinga” (Tractor) — the latter derived from his party symbol during the 1997 elections.

Known for his powerful oratory, Odinga was celebrated for his ability to mobilize crowds and connect deeply with ordinary citizens.

He will be remembered as a champion of democracy and human rights, having spent years in detention during the one-party rule of President Daniel arap Moi. Odinga was Kenya’s longest-serving political prisoner, detained twice — between 1982 and 1988, and again from 1989 to 1991 — over allegations of involvement in a failed coup attempt.

That period of persecution transformed him into a national icon and solidified his reputation as a fearless advocate for political freedom and reform.

Raila Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics — the passing of a man whose struggle, resilience, and vision for a more democratic Kenya left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

Credit: BBC