The Kenyan Senate has joined the nation in mourning the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with senators eulogising him as a towering figure who embodied resilience and courage in the pursuit of democracy and justice. Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 in Kochi, India, following a cardiac arrest, leaves behind a complex and multifaceted legacy that has indelibly marked Kenya's political trajectory.

Leaders across the political spectrum, including President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, have paid tribute to Odinga, acknowledging his significant contributions to Kenya's democratic experiment. President Ruto described him as a man who "refused to accept the easy path when the right path was harder" and a "beacon of courage, a tower of principle, and a father of our democracy." Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i similarly hailed Odinga as a statesman and patriot whose life mirrored Kenya's arduous journey to democracy.

Historical and Political Context

Raila Odinga's political journey, spanning over four decades, was deeply intertwined with Kenya's struggle for multi-party democracy and constitutional reform. Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, he was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice President. His early activism in the 1970s and 80s saw him detained without trial for six years after being accused of involvement in the 1982 coup attempt against President Daniel arap Moi. These periods of imprisonment, often in solitary confinement, solidified his reputation as a defiant dissident and a symbol of resistance against autocratic rule.

Upon his return to Kenya in 1992, following the reintroduction of multi-party politics, Odinga was elected as the Member of Parliament for Lang'ata Constituency, a seat he held for two decades. He played a pivotal role in the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD), a movement that successfully pushed for the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution, ushering in a new era of multi-party democracy.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

Odinga's influence on Kenya's governance is perhaps most evident in his relentless push for constitutional reform. He was instrumental in driving the political consensus that led to the enactment of the 2010 Constitution, a landmark achievement that introduced devolution, strengthened human rights protections, and redefined the relationship between the state and its citizens. This progressive legal framework, which many African states now study, was a testament to his insistence on reform over political convenience.

As Prime Minister from April 2008 to April 2013, a position he held as part of a power-sharing agreement following the disputed 2007 general election, Odinga championed various reforms. His tenure saw a focus on infrastructure development, with significant projects aimed at modernising Kenya's transport network.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Senators, in their tributes, underscored Odinga's unique ability to command loyalty and foster inclusivity. Former nominated Senator Millicent Omanga praised his commitment to rewarding those who stood with him, a trait that strengthened his inner circle and fostered deep loyalty among supporters. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and nominated Senator Karen Nyamu also joined Kenyans in mourning the iconic leader.

Beyond Kenya's borders, Odinga was recognised as a Pan-Africanist who advocated for African unity, self-reliance, and integration. Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who defeated Odinga in the February 2025 African Union Commission Chairperson election, acknowledged Odinga as a "towering figure" who championed democracy and people-centred government across the continent.

Evidence/Data Box

• Political Detentions: Raila Odinga was imprisoned without trial for six years following the 1982 coup attempt.
• Parliamentary Service: Served as Member of Parliament for Lang'ata Constituency from 1992 to 2013.
• Prime Minister: Held the position of Prime Minister of Kenya from April 2008 to April 2013.
• Presidential Bids: Contested the presidency five times (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2022), alleging electoral fraud in each unsuccessful attempt.
• 2010 Constitution: Played a key role in the passage of Kenya's 2010 Constitution.
• African Union Role: Served as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development from October 2018 to February 2023.

Risks and Implications

Odinga's passing creates a significant vacuum within Kenya's opposition politics. His charisma and extensive networks had long anchored the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the party he founded in 2005. Independent political analysts, such as Rose Mumanya, suggest that his death exposes deep uncertainty within ODM regarding its succession plan and ability to remain cohesive.

His absence also reshuffles Kenya's broader political map, potentially opening space for new alliances and succession battles across both government and opposition. The question of who can effectively step into his role as a formidable opposition voice remains unanswered.

Unknowns and Controversies

Despite his celebrated contributions, Odinga's political career was not without controversy. Critics accused him of populist politics that, at times, exacerbated ethnic divisions. His political manoeuvres, such as the 2001 merger of his National Development Party (NDP) with the ruling KANU party and the 2018 "Handshake" with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, were viewed with suspicion by some, who saw them as betrayals of his reformist roots. The violence that followed the 2007 election remains a dark chapter, with opponents holding him partly responsible for the turmoil, an accusation he consistently denied.

Timeline and Next Steps

Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. His body was transported back to Kenya on Thursday, October 16, 2025, with Kenya Airways honouring him by changing the flight's call sign to RAO001. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family and the government in the coming days.

What to Watch

The immediate focus will be on the funeral arrangements and the national mourning period. Politically, observers will be keen to see how the Orange Democratic Movement navigates the post-Odinga era and whether a clear successor emerges to lead the opposition. The impact of his absence on Kenya's political stability and the potential for new alignments will be closely watched.