Global tributes pour in for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

He was 80.

Odinga, fondly known across Kenya as “Baba” and revered across Africa as a champion of democracy and good governance, died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre.

According to reports from Indian newspapers Mathrubhumi and The Hindu, Odinga collapsed at around 7:45 a.m. during a walk accompanied by his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor.

He was rushed to a nearby private hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Western Kenya, Raila Odinga was the son of Kenya’s first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and grew to become one of the most influential figures in the country’s political history.

His name  became synonymous with the struggle for multi-party democracy and constitutional reform.

From Addis Ababa to New Delhi, Kampala to Lusaka, messages of condolence poured in, paying tribute to a man many described as a lion of democracy and a true Pan-Africanist.

In Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali extended condolences on behalf of his government, calling Odinga “a patriot and a leader whose contributions to democracy will be remembered across Africa.”

Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), described Odinga as 'one of Africa’s most iconic sons,' whose lifelong dedication to justice and unity inspired generations.

“His lifelong struggle for freedom and equality inspired generations across Kenya and beyond,” said Dr. Workneh. “His legacy will forever echo in the democratic foundations he helped build.”

In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan mourned Odinga in a heartfelt message written in Swahili, describing him as 'a great leader, a peace lover, and a pan-African visionary whose influence transcended Kenya’s borders.'

“This loss is not Kenya’s alone,” she wrote. “It is a tragedy for all of us across East Africa and the continent. May God grant comfort to his family and rest his soul in eternal peace.”

From Uganda, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said Odinga was instrumental in strengthening regional relations, often mediating quietly in disputes between neighboring nations.

“He was selfless in advancing the interests of Kenyans and the region at large,” Tayebwa wrote. “He taught us that leadership means putting one’s country first.”

In Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema hailed Odinga as “a towering advocate for democracy,” saying his legacy “will endure long after his passing.” Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh also paid tribute, calling Odinga “a visionary leader whose voice for justice resonated far beyond his homeland.”

Outside Africa, Odinga’s passing resonated deeply with global leaders. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described Odinga as “a cherished friend of India,” shared personal memories of their long-standing friendship dating back to Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

“He had a special affection for India, our culture, and our ancient wisdom,” Modi said. “He particularly admired Ayurveda, having witnessed its impact on his daughter’s health. India mourns the loss of a great friend.”

The British Government also expressed its sorrow. In a statement from the British High Commission in Nairobi, the Chargé d’Affaires and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat said:“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Raila Odinga. His legacy as a statesman, reformer, and champion of democracy will forever resonate across Kenya and beyond. On behalf of the British Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Kenya.”

At home, tributes reflected both grief and admiration for a man who shaped Kenya’s modern political identity.

Speaker of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi, expressed his grief in a heartfelt condolence message, describing Odinga as “a true son of the soil, a patriot, Pan-Africanist, father of devolution, and fearless defender of democracy.”

“With deep shock and grief, I’ve learnt of the death of a true son of the soil, a patriot, Pan Africanist, the father of devolution, a champion of multipartysim and a fearless defender of democracy and the rule of law - Raila Amolo Odinga,” Kingi said.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga called Odinga “a patriot and a pan-Africanist who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and Africa,” while Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka described him as “a fighter for freedom and a voice for the voiceless.”

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, one of Odinga’s oldest political allies, penned a moving eulogy titled “A Tribute to the Enigma, the Son of the Soil.” “A lion has returned to the mountain,” Nyong’o wrote.

“The storm has stilled, but the thunder of his footsteps will echo for generations. Raila Odinga was never just a politician — he was a movement.”

From the opposition, Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, remembered Odinga as “a fearless defender of the people and a steadfast comrade in the fight for Kenya’s second liberation.” Even political rivals paid their respects.

Former Deputy President Gachagua called Odinga “a hero celebrated home and away,” acknowledging his unmatched resilience and commitment to democracy despite decades of political rivalry.

“Much as we have never been on the same political side, I have had strong admiration for his art of resilience,” Gachagua said. “He is a hero who has not gone — he has only faded away.”

Odinga’s political career spanned more than five decades.

Detained multiple times during the Moi regime for his role in pushing for multi-party democracy, he emerged as one of Kenya’s most enduring political figures — running for president five times, and serving as the country’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under President Mwai Kibaki.