Kenya is mourning the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, a towering figure in the nation’s politics who spent decades fighting for democracy and justice. He was 80.
According to Reuters, Odinga’s family confirmed his passing, revealing that he died in India, where he was receiving medical treatment. Doctors in the southern city of Kochi said he died after suffering a cardiac arrest.
For more than 40 years, Odinga was at the heart of Kenya’s political story, a man who inspired millions, challenged power, and helped shape the country’s democratic path. Affectionately called “Baba” by his supporters and “Agwambo” (“the mysterious one”) in his native Luo language, Odinga was as admired as he was controversial.
President William Ruto visited the Odinga family home in Nairobi following the announcement of his death. Across the capital, crowds of mourners, many from Kibera, his longtime political base, poured into the streets, waving twigs and singing in his honor.
Reports say he spent nine years in prison, six in solitary confinement, for opposing the dictatorship of former President Daniel arap Moi.
He is also remembered for his efforts in paving the way for Kenya to return to multiparty system of democracy in 1991 as well as the country’s newest constitution of 2010.
Several media have hailed Odinga’s political influence in Kenya even though he never attained the hight of presidency after five attempts.
