President William Ruto leads world in paying Raila Odinga tribute
Raila Odinga became active in political opposition during Kenya’s era of one-party rule and was imprisoned without trial for six years, 1982-1988, on allegations of plotting against then-President Daniel arap Moi.
President William Ruto has led Kenya and the world in paying tribute to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died in India due to cardiac failure on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
In a statement announcing seven days of national mourning, President Ruto described Odinga as a towering figure who dedicated his life to the cause of democracy, social justice, and national unity.
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Nimepokea kwa masikitiko makubwa taarifa ya kifo cha Mheshimiwa Raila Amolo Odinga. Tumempoteza kiongozi mahiri, Mwanamajumui wa Afrika, mpenda amani na mtafuta suluhu, ambaye ushawishi na upendo wake haukuwa tu ndani ya Kenya, bali Afrika Mashariki na Afrika kwa ujumla. Msiba… pic.twitter.com/tPyAsyQk0N
— Samia Suluhu (@SuluhuSamia) October 15, 2025
MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM H.E. UHURU KENYATTA FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER HON. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA.
— Office of the 4th President of Kenya. (@4thPresidentKE) October 15, 2025
My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes… pic.twitter.com/UZgNHNh7pS
I extend my heartfelt Condolences to President @WilliamsRuto Ruto & the people of Kenya on the passing of former PM Raila Odinga -a towering statesman whose legacy of democracy, justice & public service will endure. Somalia stands in solidarity with Kenya in this moment of grief. pic.twitter.com/XC6idrxbHP
— Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (@HassanSMohamud) October 15, 2025
Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued… pic.twitter.com/Nmya9C3LZi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2025
It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of H.E. @RailaOdinga a remarkable leader and one of Africa’s most respected statesmen.
— Cherinet Hariffo (@cherinet_) October 15, 2025
I have known of him since my childhood years living in Kenya, where he was admired and loved by so many. #Baba, as he was affectionately… pic.twitter.com/sDPwWVEO0x
Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well. To the family, your spouse Mama Ida Odinga and your children, my family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment. My deepest sympathies to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya.
— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) October 15, 2025
The enigma Baba, the father of our… pic.twitter.com/dtWzkiQQ79
https://twitter.com/Diplo_Jazz/status/1978412363511411168
H.E. @RailaOdinga's dream of a Kenya where every child, regardless of birthplace or background, could walk tall and proud, must now become our collective mission. May He RIP! 🖤 pic.twitter.com/qs2GG25ag6
— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) October 15, 2025
— Judicial Service Commission Kenya (JSC) (@jsckenya) October 15, 2025
Saddened to hear of the passing of former PM @RailaOdinga. We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Kenya, the Odinga family, President @WilliamsRuto and all those touched by this towering advocate for democracy. His legacy will endure. May he rest in eternal peace. HH pic.twitter.com/V35ExsyiHk
— Hakainde Hichilema (@HHichilema) October 15, 2025
It is a profoundly sad moment for our nation following the passing of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, earlier today.
— Gideon K. Moi (@MoiGideon) October 15, 2025
Indeed, Mr. Odinga was the most consequential political figure of our time. Throughout his distinguished career, as a Member of… pic.twitter.com/82TQYR2Ez8
I am shocked and saddened by the sudden and untimely death of former PM Raila Amolo Odinga.
— Charity Ngilu (@mamangilu) October 15, 2025
We have lost a tower of democracy and a fighter for human rights and good governance.
My sincere condolence to Mama Ida and the entire Jaramogi family. Go well my friend. pic.twitter.com/yaDlDR8qge
I did not know Raila as a friend for a long time. For years, he was on the other side, and our paths rarely crossed, until the last election.
— Hon Lee Kinyanjui (@GovLeeKinyanjui) October 15, 2025
Then came a call from former President Uhuru Kenyatta, informing me that a friend was visiting Nakuru and should be received with the… pic.twitter.com/fUHMuDbs8Q
I am deeply heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend and brother, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. We shared countless moments of courage, conviction, and unyielding hope for a better Kenya, moments that defined not just our friendship but an era of struggle for freedom and justice.… pic.twitter.com/Q6zDVsiatd
— Jimi Wanjigi (@JimiWanjigi) October 15, 2025
Painful😭😭😭
— Hon. FCPA John Mbadi Ng'ongo, EGH (@JohnMbadiN) October 15, 2025
In him rests a towering African democratic giant, fighter for social justice, mentor & a father.
When history of PM @RailaOdinga shall be written, it won't go untouched: he died a peaceful man who put the interest of the country above everything else.
RIP Baba😭 pic.twitter.com/sFnxJiNBgK
Deeply saddened by the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.
— Hussein Mohammed (@husseinmoha) October 15, 2025
Having had the privilege to work under him, I can say he was not only a great leader and visionary, but also a good boss and a personal friend. Kenya has lost a true statesman and local football, one of its strongest… pic.twitter.com/WIPl7EEeOb
A gallant son of the soil has rested.
— husseinkhalid (@husskhalid) October 15, 2025
You fought a good fight Baba.
Your contributions to democracy in Kenya and Africa cannot be ignored.
You’ve left a legacy and will surely be missed.
Rest in Power Baba! ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/1mX7lOlFLD
I join the Jaramogi family, the @TheODMparty, the Luo Nation, friends, relatives and the rest of the Kenyan Nation in mourning @RailaOdinga.
— Dr Boni Khalwale, CBS (@DrBKhalwale) October 15, 2025
I also join them in celebrating the outstanding life a political giant, a great man.
Fare thee well Tinga. pic.twitter.com/YPr7vKUd5R
Kenya has lost one of its greatest sons, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga.
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) October 15, 2025
Raila was a man whose courage, conviction and compassion defined generations.
Through storms and triumphs alike, he carried the hope of a people and the vision of a nation yet to be.
For me, his… pic.twitter.com/lJF0RBj3zE
Amnesty International honors Raila Odinga not only as a political leader but as a human rights defender whose sacrifices and vision helped shape Kenya’s social justice landscape. Rest in Power.#FullStatementLoading https://t.co/dkM8CYlCHT
— Irũngũ Houghton (@irunguhoughton) October 15, 2025
Today, Africa mourns the loss of one of its most iconic sons, H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga.
— Dr Workneh Gebeyehu (@DrWorkneh) October 15, 2025
An unwavering Pan-Africanist, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of democracy, justice, and unity. His lifelong struggle for freedom and equality inspired generations across Kenya and… pic.twitter.com/5X7idTU3gC
Raila Odinga is gone. Kenya has lost a visionary leader. Our condolences to his family and all the Kenyan people.
— Ismail Omar Guelleh (@IsmailOguelleh) October 15, 2025
I am shocked to learn of the demise of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, a patriot, a pan-Africanist, a democrat and a leader who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and in Africa.
— David Maraga (@dkmaraga) October 15, 2025
Kenya has lost one of its most formidable leaders who shaped… pic.twitter.com/md6vfXyt9f
On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. May he Rest In Peace.
— Abiy Ahmed Ali 🇪🇹 (@AbiyAhmedAli) October 15, 2025
My condolences to the Raila Odinga Family. Mzee amepumzika. His watch is over. What gives me hope is that last year a generation that will liberate Kenya from the shackles of bad leadership and corruption was born. Viva the revolution, viva. pic.twitter.com/z5cx66WCl2
— The People’s President (@bonifacemwangi) October 15, 2025
SADDENED to receive the tragic news of the passing of Mzee @RailaOdinga Odinga this early morning. As many will remember, he was one of the iconic figures in the struggle for democracy and freedom in the fight for a better Africa. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/AFd58QwvnG
— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) October 15, 2025
Black Wednesday. Double tragedy. Wawili. pic.twitter.com/Dyaij7izWb
— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) October 15, 2025
Odinga became active in opposition during Kenya’s one-party rule and was imprisoned without trial for almost six years, between 1982 and 1988, on allegations of plotting against then-President Daniel arap Moi.
In 1992, he joined the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (Ford) and was elected Member of Parliament for Lang'ata Constituency and contested five presidential elections in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, but never won.
Following the disputed 2007 election and subsequent violence, he served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 in a coalition government with Kibaki, formed to restore peace.
The former PM led the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and later founded the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition Party, and played a key role in political juggernauts such as the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) and the National Super Alliance (NASA).
He was also involved in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) alongside then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, geared toward constitutional reforms ahead of the 2022 election; it was, however, declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
In 2024, Odinga announced his candidacy for the African Union Commission Chairperson but was defeated in the 2025 election in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
In August 2024, he entered a broad-based government partnership with President William Ruto, in a controversial political manoeuvre following the deadly Gen-Z protests over the Finance Bill.
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