The political world is mourning the loss of veteran Kenyan politician Raila Odinga, who has died at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in India. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, including from Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, who publicly expressed his deep condolences, describing the passing as a tragedy for Kenya, Africa, and the world. President Mahama specifically extended his sympathies to Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, Odinga’s widow Mama Idah Odinga, and the entire Odinga family, acknowledging the strong ties and shared sense of community among African nations.
Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, was often dubbed the “father of our democracy” by President Ruto and was widely known as “Baba” (Father) by his passionate supporters. Despite losing five presidential campaigns, he was an unwavering advocate for democratic freedoms and holds the record for being Kenya’s longest-serving detainee for his struggle against one-party dictatorship. Following his death, President Ruto has declared a seven-day period of national mourning and announced that Odinga will be accorded a state funeral with full military honours.
The state funeral is scheduled for Friday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, after which his body will be transported to his political stronghold of Kisumu. The funeral will culminate in his burial on Sunday at his farm in Bondo, honoring the family’s wish for a swift interment. International leaders—including the presidents of South Africa, Zambia, and Nigeria—have also sent condolences, recognizing Odinga as a towering statesman whose legacy of political reform, reconciliation, and Pan-Africanism will endure, even as his death leaves a significant vacuum in Kenya’s political landscape.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
