Raila Odinga, Tireless Champion of Kenyan Democracy, Dies at 80; Tsvangirai Sends Message of Condolence

By Shingirai Vambe

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, one of Africa’s most enduring and influential political figures, has passed away at the age of 80. The news of his death was confirmed on Wednesday by a source in his office.

According to a report by the Indian newspaper Mathrubhumi, Odinga was receiving medical treatment in the southern Indian city of Kochi when he suffered a cardiac arrest on Wednesday. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. His passing marks the end of a towering political career that spanned more than four decades, one defined by struggle, resilience, and a lifelong pursuit of democracy and social justice in Kenya.

Odinga, often affectionately called Baba by his supporters, was a central figure in Kenya’s opposition politics. Despite contesting the presidency five times, each campaign charged with high political drama and intense public emotion, he never succeeded in clinching the country’s top seat. Two of those elections, in 2007 and 2017, ended in bitter disputes that triggered national crises, exposing deep ethnic and political divisions within the country.

The 2007 election remains one of the darkest chapters in Kenya’s post-independence history. Widespread violence erupted following the disputed results, leaving more than 1,300 people dead and displacing hundreds of thousands. Odinga’s supporters took to the streets, protesting what they believed was a stolen election. The chaos that followed shocked the nation and the world, ultimately leading to a power-sharing deal brokered by international mediators.

Beyond the turbulence of electoral politics, Raila Odinga’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Kenya’s democratic evolution. His tireless activism played a crucial role in ushering in multiparty democracy in 1991, ending nearly three decades of one-party rule under President Daniel arap Moi. Later, in 2010, he was instrumental in championing the adoption of a new constitution, a landmark document that redefined governance and expanded civil liberties in the country.

Odinga’s influence extended well beyond Kenya’s borders. His political philosophy, marked by courage and conviction, resonated across Africa. He often stood shoulder to shoulder with other democracy advocates on the continent. Notably, he attended the funeral of his close ally and fellow opposition leader, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai of Zimbabwe, who died of cancer in 2018. During that ceremony, Odinga delivered a powerful message that many Zimbabweans still remember vividly, a message of hope, resilience, and the unyielding belief that democracy, no matter how delayed, will always triumph.

Spouse of the late former Prime Minister, Elizabeth Tsvangirai told the Post on Sunday that, Odinga was a distinguished statesman.

“It is with deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister of Kenya, His Excellency Raila Amolo Odinga. A distinguished statesman, visionary leader, and steadfast friend of my late husband Morgan. His unwavering commitment to the progress and unity of his nation, his integrity, and his exemplary service to humanity will be remembered with great respect and admiration,” she said.

“May his enduring legacy of leadership and dedication continue to inspire generations to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife, Mama Ida Odinga, his family, the Government, and the people of Kenya during this time of national mourning,” added Tsvangirai.

As Kenya and the wider African community mourn his passing, Raila Odinga leaves behind a complicated yet profoundly impactful legacy. He was a man who never stopped fighting for what he believed was right, a symbol of defiance in the face of power, and a relentless advocate for justice and equality. Whether one agreed with him or not, few can deny that his presence shaped the political landscape of Kenya for generations.