Raila Amolo Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya and a titan of the country's struggle for multiparty democracy, has died at the age of 80. His office confirmed his death on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, after he suffered a cardiac arrest while receiving medical treatment in Kerala, India.

According to reports from Indian media and statements from his family, Mr. Odinga collapsed during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment center and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly after. His passing followed weeks of mounting speculation about his health, during which his family and spokesperson had sought to quell rumors. His brother, Oburu Odinga, later acknowledged that the former Prime Minister had been “indisposed” and was recuperating in India.

President William Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning, honoring Mr. Odinga's “extraordinary contribution to our nation.” The government of India also accorded him military honors, facilitating the return of his body to Kenya.

A Consequential Legacy

Born on January 7, 1945, Raila Odinga's political career spanned over four decades, profoundly shaping modern Kenya. The son of Kenya's first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, he was a central figure in the fight against single-party rule, which led to his detention for several years. He served as the Member of Parliament for Langata from 1992 to 2013 and as Prime Minister in the Government of National Unity from 2008 to 2013, a position created to resolve the violent political crisis following the disputed 2007 election.

Despite five unsuccessful presidential campaigns, Mr. Odinga remained one of Kenya's most influential political figures. His supporters, who affectionately called him "Baba" (Father), saw him as a champion for the common citizen and a tireless advocate for constitutional reform. His efforts were instrumental in the passage of the 2010 Constitution, which devolved power to county governments and introduced a bill of rights.

Final Year and AUC Bid

In his final year, Mr. Odinga appeared to be focused on cementing his legacy. His longtime spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, revealed that the former Prime Minister seemed aware his time was ending, meticulously documenting his personal history during a trip to Germany in February 2024 and focusing on strengthening institutions like the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. He reportedly rejected proposals for personal monuments, stating such honors should be posthumous.

His last major political act on the continental stage was his bid for the Chairpersonship of the African Union Commission. Despite a vigorous campaign, he was defeated by Djibouti's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, in the election held in February 2025.

An Uncertain Future

Mr. Odinga's death leaves a significant power vacuum in Kenyan politics. It has triggered an immediate succession battle within his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, which he led since its founding in 2005. At his funeral service on October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bondo, leaders called for unity amidst fears of factionalism ahead of the 2027 general election.

His recent alliance with President Ruto, which had brought a measure of political stability, now leaves the current administration in a more vulnerable position. As a statesman who commanded a vast and loyal following, Mr. Odinga’s absence re-draws the country's political map, forcing a realignment among allies and adversaries alike. As the nation mourns, it also confronts the challenge of navigating a future without the man who, for many, was its most consequential political figure.