• Messages of grief and respect continue to pour in following the news on the death of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
  • Many are acknowledging his unmatched commitment to democracy and social justice, describing him as the embodiment of Kenya’s enduring spirit of resilience.

Messages of grief and respect continue to pour in following the news on the death of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday morning , October 15, 2025, at a private hospital in India.

According to Onmanorama, a large media conglomerate based in Kerala, India, former Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Ernakulam, where he had been admitted for treatment and rest after a mild stroke in Kenya.

Despite swift medical attention and transfer to Devamatha Hospital, efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m.

Odinga’s death has sent shockwaves across Kenya and the African continent, drawing tributes from heads of state, political leaders, and ordinary citizens alike. In Kenya, leaders described him as a visionary, a reformist, and a man whose influence reshaped the nation’s democratic journey.

The Cabinet Secretary for Investments Trade and Industry of Kenya, Lee Kinyanjui, has paid a heartfelt tribute, calling Odinga “a pragmatic and dedicated statesman who always saw the best in Kenya.”

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Kinyanjui reflected on Odinga’s unmatched resilience and acknowledged his unwavering commitment to better Kenya, saying, “In his final chapter, he devoted himself selflessly to healing the political wounds that have long divided us, and in many ways, he succeeded.”

John Mbadi, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning of Kenya, one of Odinga’s closest political allies, described the news as painful noting that, “In him rests a towering African democratic giant, fighter for social justice, mentor & a father.”

Additionally, former Chief Justice David Maraga has also expressed his deepest condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family, hailing Odinga as “a patriot, a pan-Africanist, a democrat and a leader who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and in Africa.”

Maraga noted that Africa had not only lost a great leader but also a leading voice in pushing for peace, security and development.

Beyond Kenya’s borders, global and regional leaders joined in mourning. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned Odinga’s death, describing him as “a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India.” Modi noted Odinga’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between the two regions and his personal appreciation for India’s cultural and medical heritage.

The African Union (AU), where Odinga once served as High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, released a statement mourning the passing of one of Africa’s foremost statesmen.

AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf praised Odinga for his decades-long commitment to justice, pluralism, and democratic reform that left an indelible mark not only on Kenya but across the African continent.

“Africa has lost one of its most visionary sons; a leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, democracy, and unity. His legacy will continue to inspire our collective efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Africa,” Youssouf said.

Across Kenya and social media platforms, individuals are expressing their sadness on the news, as Kenyans mourn a man who, for decades, symbolized the people’s voice.

Many are acknowledging his unmatched commitment to democracy and social justice, describing him as the embodiment of Kenya’s enduring spirit of resilience.

Raila Amolo Odinga, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and ran for the presidency five times, leaves behind an indelible mark on Kenya’s political history.

His passing marks the end of an era, but his ideals of fairness, unity, and integrity continue to echo across Kenya and the continent he so passionately served.

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