Kenya Mourns Raila Odinga, “Father of Democracy,” Dead at 80
Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga dies at 80. Africa mourns the “father of democracy” who shaped Kenya’s politics and inspired generations.
October 15, 2025 at 1:10:50 PM
May 15, 2026 at 7:03:26 PM
🕒 3 min read
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Kenya and the wider African continent are mourning the death of Raila Amolo Odinga, the country’s veteran opposition leader and former Prime Minister, who passed away at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in India, according to BBC News (15 Oct 2025).
A Towering Figure in Kenyan Politics
Odinga, widely regarded as the “father of Kenya’s democracy,” collapsed during a morning walk and was declared dead after suffering a cardiac arrest at a hospital in India. President William Ruto paid tribute, describing him as “a beacon of courage and a father of our democracy.”
Ruto also announced a seven-day national mourning period and a state funeral with full honours.
Tributes From Across Africa
World leaders and African heads of state sent condolences.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa called Odinga “a leader who placed Africa’s interests first.”
Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema praised him as “a towering advocate for democracy.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as “a cherished friend of India.”
Odinga’s widow, Ida Odinga, will lead a delegation to India to repatriate his body, accompanied by Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi.
RELATED ARTICLE
