India PM Narendra Modi, Uhuru Kenyatta mourn Raila Odinga

The global community is united in grief today following the sudden death of Raila Odinga, Kenya's former Prime Minister and veteran opposition leader.

Raila passed away at the age of 80 after a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in Kerala, India. 

Leaders from across the world have expressed their condolences, paying tribute to Odinga’s indelible legacy as a champion of democracy, a pan-Africanist, and a bridge-builder between nations.

Former president Uhuru Kenyatta's condolence message portrayed Raila Odinga as a lifelong political rival who evolved into a close ally through the 2018 "Handshake" agreement, emphasizing Odinga's role in fostering Kenyan unity and peace.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to respond. 

“Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga,” Modi wrote. 

He recalled their long-standing friendship, dating back to his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, and highlighted Odinga’s admiration for Indian culture and Ayurveda, which he credited with aiding his daughter’s health.

Modi extended his “deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Kenya in this hour of grief,” accompanied by a file photo of the two leaders standing side-by-side with their national flags.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his nation’s sorrow, “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.” 

Former Chief Justice of Kenya David Maraga also paid an emotional tribute, calling Odinga “a patriot, a pan-Africanist, a democrat, and a leader who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and Africa.” 

The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, who recently defeated Odinga in the race for the AU leadership, issued a statement mourning the loss of “a towering figure in African politics.” 

Youssouf praised Odinga’s resilience and commitment to unity, noting his recent support during the AU elections as a true statesman.