Leaders from across the world have paid heartfelt tribute to Kenya’s former Prime Minister and veteran opposition leader Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away in India earlier today
President William Ruto led the nation in mourning, describing Odinga as a man whose name will forever remain part of Kenya’s story.
“Raila Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our republic: a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope, and our pursuit for excellence,” said President Ruto. “He championed reforms that gave birth to the rights and freedoms we hold dear. His voice spoke for the oppressed, his conviction inspired generations, and his vision shaped the course of our history.”
The President went on to call Odinga “a once-in-a-generation leader” whose ideals went beyond politics.
“Raila Odinga is truly a once-in-a-generation leader; a man whose ideals transcended politics and whose legacy will shape the destiny of Kenya for generations to come. A giant who towered for decades over our democratic landscape. In his passing, we have lost a patriot of uncommon courage, a pan-Africanist, a unifier who sought peace and unity above power and self-gain; an unceasing servant of the people who gave his all for the promise of a better Kenya,” Ruto said during his national address.
From across the continent and beyond, world leaders echoed Ruto’s sentiments, honouring Odinga’s lifelong dedication to democracy and justice.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described him as “a steadfast champion of democracy, good governance, and people-centred development.”
“His decades-long commitment to justice, pluralism, and democratic reform left an indelible mark not only on Kenya but across the African continent,” said Youssouf.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, a longtime ally and rival, paid a deeply personal tribute, saying he had lost “a friend and a brother.”
“My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal,” Kenyatta said. “To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life. I will miss our conversations sometimes challenging, always insightful and the fire of belief that never left his eyes.”
From India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Odinga as both “a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India.” Modi said he had known him since his days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and praised his commitment to strengthening the ties between the two nations.
“He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter’s health,” Modi said, sending condolences to Odinga’s family and the people of Kenya.
In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said Odinga’s death was not just Kenya’s loss, but Africa’s.
“We have lost a brilliant leader, a global African, a peace-loving and solution-seeker, whose influence and love were not only in Kenya, but in East Africa and Africa at large,” she said. “This tragedy is not just for Kenya, but for all of us.”
Across Kenya, scenes of mourning continue to unfold, with thousands gathering at Odinga’s Nairobi and Bondo homes to pay their respects.
His passing has united political allies and rivals alike in grief a reflection of how deeply his presence shaped the country’s politics for over four decades.
For many, Raila Odinga was more than a politician he was a symbol of endurance, sacrifice, and the hope of a better Kenya.
