Obama's Tribute to a Statesman

Former US President Barack Obama has eulogised Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya's long-serving opposition leader and former Prime Minister, as a "true champion of democracy." In a statement released on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Obama praised Odinga's unwavering commitment to freedom and self-governance, noting his willingness to prioritise national interests over personal ambition.

Obama, whose father was Kenyan, highlighted Odinga's resilience and dedication to peaceful reconciliation, stating that his example extended beyond Kenya's borders to inspire people across Africa and worldwide.

A Legacy of Struggle and Reform

Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India at the age of 80, was a central figure in Kenya's democratic journey for over four decades. His political career was marked by significant personal sacrifice, including multiple detentions without trial for his pro-democracy activism during the one-party era.

Odinga was instrumental in the reintroduction of multiparty politics in Kenya in the early 1990s and played a pivotal role in the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, which established a devolved system of government and curtailed presidential powers. Amnesty International recognised him as a Prisoner of Conscience in 1991 for his peaceful advocacy for constitutional reform.

Political Milestones and Challenges

Odinga served as Kenya's Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, a position created as part of a power-sharing agreement that resolved the post-election violence of 2007-2008. He ran for president five times between 1997 and 2022, consistently alleging electoral fraud. Despite never achieving the presidency, his influence on Kenya's democratic evolution is widely acknowledged.

His political journey also included serving as the African Union's High Representative for Infrastructure Development from 2018 to 2023, where he championed regional connectivity and trade.

International and Local Tributes

Tributes have poured in from across Kenya and the globe, with leaders acknowledging Odinga's contributions to democracy and Pan-Africanism. President William Ruto described Odinga as a "formidable opponent, a patriot, and a statesman whose contribution to the democratic journey of Kenya can never be forgotten." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed sadness, calling Odinga a "towering statesman and a cherished friend of India."

The state funeral for Odinga has drawn regional, continental, and global dignitaries to Nairobi, underscoring his international standing. His long-serving bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta, who was with Odinga in India, described him as a mentor and father figure.

Evidence/Data Box

• Date of Birth: January 7, 1945
• Date of Death: October 15, 2025 (aged 80)
• Place of Death: Kerala, India
• Political Detentions: Approximately nine years without trial for pro-democracy activism
• Prime Minister of Kenya: 2008-2013
• Presidential Candidacies: Five (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2022)
• African Union Role: High Representative for Infrastructure Development (2018-2023)

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

While Obama's tribute has been widely reported, there was initial public discussion in Kenya regarding a perceived delay in his public statement following Odinga's passing. Some Kenyans questioned why Obama had not publicly honoured Odinga sooner, given their shared ancestral ties in Kogelo, Siaya County, and Obama's previous acknowledgements of Odinga's political courage. However, Obama's statement on Saturday, October 18, 2025, addressed these concerns, offering a comprehensive eulogy.

What to Watch

As Kenya concludes its mourning period for Raila Odinga, attention will turn to the future of the political landscape. The opposition, which Odinga led for many years, will likely face the challenge of reorganising and identifying new leadership to continue advocating for its agenda. The outpouring of national and international tributes highlights the profound impact Odinga had on Kenya's democratic journey and the broader African continent.