The nation came to a standstill as Kenya bid a final farewell to Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80. Odinga, a former Prime Minister and a veteran opposition leader, died in Kerala, India, after suffering a heart attack during a morning walk. His passing triggered a seven-day period of national mourning, declared by President William Ruto, during which national flags flew at half-mast.

Odinga's state funeral, held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, Siaya County, was marked by full military honours, including a 17-gun salute. Thousands of mourners, including political leaders, foreign dignitaries, and ordinary citizens, gathered at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University before accompanying the procession to his family homestead, where he was interred beside his parents. The emotional ceremony saw crowds chanting "Jowi" (a Luo expression of strength) and "Baba," his widely recognized nickname meaning 'father' in Swahili, reflecting his symbolic role as a protector of the poor and marginalized.

A Legacy Forged in Struggle and Reform

Raila Odinga's political career spanned over four decades, during which he became synonymous with Kenya's struggle for multi-party democracy and constitutional reform. Born in 1945, he was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice President and an independence-era hero. Odinga's early activism led to his detention without trial for six years following the failed 1982 coup attempt against President Daniel Arap Moi. He endured torture and psychological intimidation during his imprisonment, as detailed in his 2013 memoir, "The Flame of Freedom."

Upon the reintroduction of multi-party politics in 1992, Odinga was elected as a Member of Parliament for Lang'ata, a seat he held for 20 years. He was a key architect of significant political, social, and security reforms, championing the progressive 2010 constitution. Despite making five unsuccessful bids for the presidency (in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022), Odinga remained an influential figure, often at the heart of Kenya's political landscape.

Political Evolution and Unifying Efforts

Odinga's political journey was marked by both fierce opposition and strategic alliances. He founded the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in 2005, a center-left party advocating for democratic pluralism and socio-economic equality. In recent months, he forged a working alliance with President William Ruto, a former political rival, following the closely contested August 2022 presidential election. This partnership, which saw his party involved in government policy-making, underscored his enduring role as a political power broker and his ability to balance opposition with practical governance.

Leaders from across Africa and beyond paid tribute to Odinga. President Ruto eulogized him as "the father of our democracy" and a "giant" of Kenyan politics, acknowledging his immense contribution to the nation. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also praised Odinga's tenacity and deep love for the country, highlighting their journey from fierce political opponents to partners in unity.

Unanswered Questions and Future Outlook

Odinga's passing leaves a significant void in Kenya's political opposition, particularly as the country looks towards the 2027 general elections. Concerns have emerged regarding the future leadership of the ODM party without its patriarch. His death also raises questions about the trajectory of national unity efforts, which he championed throughout his career. While his legacy of fighting for democracy and social justice is firmly established, the path forward for the political movements he led remains uncertain.

What to Watch

The coming months will likely see intensified political realignments as various factions within the ODM party and the broader opposition seek to define their future leadership. The impact of Odinga's absence on the ongoing political dialogue and potential constitutional reforms will also be closely watched. His vision for a united and democratic Kenya will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of leaders and citizens.