A Titan of Kenyan Politics Falls

Raila Amolo Odinga, a dominant and transformative figure in Kenyan politics for over three decades, has died at the age of 80. The former Prime Minister passed away on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest in Kochi, a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Mr. Odinga was in India receiving Ayurvedic medical treatment when he collapsed during a morning walk. He was rushed to the nearby Devamatha Hospital but could not be resuscitated, with his death confirmed at 9:52 a.m. local time, according to hospital officials.

Final Moments and Family Accounts

Mr. Odinga was accompanied in India by close family members, including his sister, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, and his daughter, Winnie Odinga. In the days leading up to his death, he was reported to be in good spirits and showing signs of recovery. Photos shared from India earlier in the week depicted him as cheerful and relaxed. His sister Ruth recounted that he did not collapse dramatically but rather sat down after his walk, stating he felt tired. "We thought it was just fatigue from the walk and then called for an ambulance," she stated. The family had been staying at a resort following his medical checkups and were preparing to return to Kenya on Thursday, October 16. His passing has initiated a period of deep grief for the family and the nation.

National Mourning and Tributes

The news of his death prompted an immediate and widespread outpouring of grief across Kenya. President William Ruto declared a seven-day period of national mourning and announced that Mr. Odinga would be honored with a state funeral. In a national address on Wednesday, October 15, President Ruto described his predecessor and political rival as "a giant of democracy," "a once-in-a-generation leader," and "a tireless warrior of good governance." Tributes have poured in from leaders across the world, recognizing him as a towering political figure who left an indelible mark on democracy in Kenya and Africa. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a long-time acquaintance, called Mr. Odinga "a towering statesman and a true friend of India."

Health Journey and Treatment in India

Mr. Odinga's trip to India was for specialized medical care. He had been undergoing treatment for several conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. His choice of an Ayurvedic facility in Kerala was influenced by the successful treatment his elder daughter, Rosemary Odinga, received there for vision loss in 2019. This personal connection to India's traditional medicine system highlighted a growing trend of medical exchange between the two nations. Prior to his death, there had been public speculation about his health following a period of absence from public events, which his family and party had initially downplayed.

A Political Legacy and Future of the Opposition

Raila Odinga's death leaves a significant leadership vacuum within Kenya's political opposition. An MP since 1992, he served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and made five unsuccessful presidential bids between 1997 and 2022. His passing has triggered an immediate succession battle within his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. In the interim, the party's Central Committee endorsed his elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, as the acting party leader on October 27, 2025, urging members to remain united. The future direction of the ODM and its role in the current power-sharing agreement with President Ruto's government now face a period of uncertainty and recalibration ahead of the 2027 general election. His body was repatriated to Kenya with full honors from the Indian government and was received by President Ruto and other dignitaries. He was buried on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his family home in Bondo, Siaya County.