15/10/2025
Kenya’s long-time opposition leader and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, has died at the age of 80, according to BBC News. Family sources confirmed that he passed away on Wednesday while undergoing medical treatment in India. His death follows weeks of speculation about his health, which close allies had previously downplayed.
Odinga, one of Kenya’s most influential and polarizing political figures, ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times, often rejecting election results and alleging widespread vote rigging. His strongest vindication came in 2017, when Kenya’s Supreme Court annulled President Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory—a landmark moment in African electoral justice—though Odinga later boycotted the rerun.
Known for his ability to connect with ordinary citizens, Odinga commanded deep loyalty, especially in western Kenya. His supporters affectionately called him “Baba,” “Agwambo,” and “Tinga.” A lifelong champion of democracy and human rights, he was Kenya’s longest-serving political detainee, having spent nearly a decade imprisoned during President Daniel arap Moi’s one-party rule.
In recent years, Odinga joined forces with President William Ruto in a unity government and sought to lead the African Union Commission, though he lost the bid earlier this year. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, reform, and an unyielding fight for political freedom.