By Alex Don
Kenya is in deep mourning following the death of Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister and long-time opposition leader, who passed away at 80. Odinga collapsed during a morning walk in Kochi, Kerala, India, and was later confirmed dead after suffering cardiac arrest.
Renowned for his role in shaping modern Kenyan democracy pushing for multiparty politics, leading major electoral reforms, and contesting the presidency five times Odinga leaves behind a political legacy that transformed the country’s governance landscape.
President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast. Odinga will be accorded a state funeral in recognition of his lifetime of public service.
Among the thousands of tributes pouring in, one stood out from Kenyan youth gathered at Odinga’s residence in Nairobi:
His passing has left a vacuum in the opposition and raised questions about who will keep alive his vision for the country. Odinga is survived by his wife, Ida Odinga, their children, and millions of Kenyans who looked to him as a voice for justice and democratic reform.
