Kenya is gripped by a profound sense of loss. A titan of democracy and a fervent advocate for change, Raila Odinga, has passed on. The shockwaves of his death have spread far and wide, resonating deeply in his political strongholds across the country. From Nairobi to Kisumu, his supporters have taken to the streets, mourning the loss of a leader who was not just a politician, but a symbol of resilience and hope. His sudden passing has left the nation reeling, as his supporters, some in disbelief, gather to mourn their “Baba,” who has shaped Kenya’s political landscape for decades.
Raila’s death, though quietly predicted by some, was a jarring surprise to many who had dismissed recent rumors of his ill health. Just days before his passing, his close allies and family dismissed any suggestion that Raila was in grave condition. His brother, Senator Oburu Odinga, had reassured the public that Raila was recovering in India and would soon return. But as fate would have it, on the morning of October 15, 2025, Raila suffered a cardiac arrest during a routine walk in Kochi, India, and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at the age of 80.
A Man of Vision and Resilience
Born in 1945 to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President, Raila inherited a political legacy defined by resistance and the fight for freedom. Raised in a family deeply embedded in Kenya’s fight for independence and political freedoms, Raila’s journey into politics began with his education in East Germany, where he studied mechanical engineering before returning to Kenya in 1970. His academic journey was followed by a career in business and public service, and then an inevitable plunge into politics.
Raila’s life was marked by a series of pivotal moments, not least his years in detention during the 1980s, where he faced persecution under the regime of President Daniel arap Moi. Detained multiple times for his political activism and advocacy for democratic reforms, Raila became a symbol of resistance. His time in prison, notably during the suppression of the 1982 military coup, forged his reputation as a steadfast opponent to oppressive regimes.
Raila’s significant political shift came in the early 1990s when he joined the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD), pushing for multi-party democracy in Kenya. His political fortunes skyrocketed after the 1997 elections when he garnered significant support in the Lang’ata Constituency, but it was his collaboration with Mwai Kibaki’s NARC coalition that solidified his political clout. The 2002 general elections were a turning point, where Raila helped form the National Rainbow Coalition, leading to Kibaki’s eventual victory over KANU.
The Five Presidential Bids
Raila’s pursuit of the presidency was nothing short of relentless. Over the course of five presidential campaigns, he battled not just his political opponents but also the entrenched forces of power. In 1997, Raila first tried his hand at the presidency but came up short, finishing third. He would try again in 2002, opting to support Mwai Kibaki in exchange for political power. In 2007, Raila’s campaign was marred by accusations of electoral fraud, leading to post-election violence and an eventual power-sharing agreement that saw him serve as Kenya’s Prime Minister.
The 2013 elections brought another setback, as Raila’s bid for the presidency was unsuccessful against Uhuru Kenyatta. Raila contested the results in the Supreme Court, but the verdict upheld Kenyatta’s win. His fourth presidential bid in 2017 was a dramatic episode in Kenyan politics, with the Supreme Court annulling the election results and ordering a rerun. Raila boycotted the repeat elections, citing a lack of electoral reforms. His resistance to the establishment culminated in the “People’s President” declaration after he took a symbolic oath, further deepening the divide in Kenya’s politics.
In 2022, Raila contested his fifth and final presidential election against William Ruto. His loss, this time to Ruto, marked the final chapter in his quest for the presidency. Despite his loss, Raila remained a powerful force in Kenyan politics, advocating for democratic reforms and devolution.
The Father of Devolution and Legacy
Raila’s legacy is inextricably tied to the devolution of Kenya’s political structure. As a champion of constitutional reforms, he was instrumental in the drafting and passing of the 2010 Constitution, which introduced a devolution system that has radically transformed Kenya’s governance. Raila’s advocacy for a new constitution and his role in the 2008 peace deal after the post-election violence cemented his position as a key figure in Kenya’s democracy.
Beyond politics, Raila was a lifelong advocate for sports, especially football, where he was a patron of local clubs, including Gor Mahia. His passion for national unity and social justice was clear in every aspect of his life, and his political career was built on a foundation of selfless service to the Kenyan people.
A Nation Bids Farewell
Raila Odinga’s death represents the end of an era in Kenyan politics. His influence stretched across generations, shaping Kenya’s path to democracy and devolution. From his political resilience to his strategic alliances, Raila defined Kenyan politics for over four decades. His passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. His supporters, however, take solace in the monumental achievements he leaves behind, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
As Kenya prepares for his state funeral, Raila Odinga’s political journey comes to a close, but his spirit remains alive in the hearts of millions. Rest in peace, Baba. You came, you fought, and you shaped Kenya’s history forever.
