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The passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India, has brought into sharp focus his prolonged health struggles in the months leading up to his death, significantly impacting Kenya's political landscape.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga battled a serious health condition for several weeks before his death on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80. President William Ruto revealed that Odinga's health had significantly worsened over the past six weeks, necessitating medical attention in Dubai and other international hospitals. Odinga, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, ultimately sought treatment in Kerala, India, where he succumbed to cardiac arrest.
According to medical officials at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, Odinga collapsed during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic wellness facility where he had been recuperating. Despite immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts by his personal doctor and security team, and subsequent intensive care at Devamatha Hospital, he could not be revived. Doctors confirmed that Odinga had a history of diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Raila Odinga's health had been a subject of public speculation, though his elder brother, Senator Oburu Odinga, had previously assured Kenyans of his recuperation. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party had also dismissed rumors surrounding his health, attributing them to political rivals. Despite his declining health, Odinga remained actively engaged in national affairs, even communicating with President Ruto while receiving treatment abroad.
Odinga's death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, a landscape he shaped for over four decades. He was a persistent advocate for multiparty democracy, constitutional reform, and electoral integrity, running for president five times. His political journey was characterized by both fierce rivalry and unexpected alliances, including a historic handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and a more recent political pact with President William Ruto.
Odinga's passing has created a leadership vacuum within his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, as he had not named a clear successor. This situation presents a delicate succession challenge, particularly given the party's strong roots in Odinga's Luo community. Political analysts suggest that new movements, including energized youth activists, may now seek to push for significant change in the absence of Odinga's stabilizing influence.
President Ruto acknowledged the profound impact of Odinga's death, describing it as a significant personal and political loss. He also revealed that there was initial resistance within government circles to accord Odinga a State funeral with military honors, a decision that was ultimately made in recognition of his towering influence.
The long-term implications of Odinga's death on Kenya's political landscape, particularly regarding the 2027 General Election, remain uncertain. While continuous voter registration is set to resume on Monday, September 29, 2025, in preparation for the 2027 elections, the absence of Odinga's formidable presence could reshape political alliances and strategies. The ODM party faces the immediate challenge of identifying a new leader capable of uniting its diverse base and maintaining its political relevance.
Observers will be closely watching the ODM party's internal dynamics as it navigates the succession question. The political pact between President Ruto and the late Odinga's party will also be under scrutiny, with some party officials divided on whether to honor it or pursue an independent path. The upcoming by-elections scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, for various Member of County Assembly and Member of National Assembly seats, may offer early indications of shifting political alignments.
