Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has died in India at the age of 80. According to reports from The Star and Indian media outlets, Odinga suffered a heart attack during a morning walk on Wednesday while staying in Kerala, India.
Witnesses say he collapsed suddenly and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. He had reportedly been in India for medical treatment and was residing at a wellness facility at the time of his death.
Political Career
Raila Odinga was one of the most prominent figures in Kenya’s political history. He began his political journey in the 1980s as part of the movement pushing for multi-party democracy during the one-party era under President Daniel arap Moi.
He was elected Member of Parliament for Lang’ata Constituency in 1992 and served for over two decades. During his career, he held several cabinet positions, including Minister for Energy and Minister for Roads, Public Works and Housing.
Odinga became Prime Minister of Kenya in 2008 under a coalition government formed after the disputed 2007 general election. During his tenure, he played a key role in implementing the 2010 Constitution, which introduced major reforms in governance and devolution.
He ran for the presidency five times — in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 — and although he never won, he remained a central and respected figure in Kenyan politics. Odinga also served as the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and was recognized for his efforts in promoting democracy and unity across Africa.
Personal Life
Raila Odinga was born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kisumu County. He was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President. He studied engineering in East Germany before returning to Kenya to pursue a career in both business and politics.
He was married to Ida Odinga, and together they had four children.
Tributes
News of his death has shocked Kenya and the wider African community. People from across the continent are sending messages of condolence, remembering him as a champion of democracy, justice, and equality.
Arrangements for the repatriation of his body to Kenya and funeral details are expected to be announced soon.
