King Charles III has formally extended his condolences to Kenya following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in a message delivered to President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi. The gesture occurred two months after the veteran opposition leader’s passing, underscoring his enduring international stature.

The message from the British monarch does more than mark a historical loss; it ties the respect for Odinga’s legacy directly to the future of the Kenyan economy. It was delivered by the United Kingdom's Chargé d'Affaires, Ed Barnett, during a meeting that also reviewed the robust growth in Kenya-UK bilateral relations.

President Ruto disclosed that the King hailed Odinga for his “steadfast leadership, willingness to build democratic consensus, open-mindedness, and deep concern for the plight of ordinary people.” These were attributes, the King noted, that defined the former prime minister's long and impactful political career.

Raila Odinga, a central figure in Kenyan politics for decades, passed away from a cardiac arrest on October 15, 2025, in India at the age of 80. His death prompted a national mourning period, with President Ruto describing him as “a giant of democracy” and “a tireless warrior of good governance.”

Legacy and Livelihoods

The timing of the King's message was significant, arriving during discussions on the tangible economic gains from the Kenya-UK strategic partnership signed last year. President Ruto noted that trade volumes between the two nations have surged, climbing from £1.3 billion (approx. KES 224 billion) to £2 billion (approx. KES 345 billion).

This growing economic partnership, which directly impacts Kenyan jobs and market access, is built on a foundation of shared democratic values—the very values King Charles praised in his tribute to Odinga. The discussion at State House reflected on this deep cooperation and Kenya's engagement with international partners to drive development.

The meeting serves as a quiet reminder that a nation's democratic journey, often shaped by figures like Odinga, is intrinsically linked to its economic standing on the world stage. As President Ruto noted, the engagement honours the legacy of leaders who shaped the nation while actively strengthening the partnerships that will fund its future.