Kenya's Ruto leads world to eulogise Raila Odinga

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Kenya has declared seven days of mourning following the death of former prime minister, Raila Odinga, who passed on in India on Wednesday, October 15, following a cardiac arrest.

Indian police in New Delhi announced that died moments after collapsing during a routine morning walk.

Odinga had been receiving medical treatment abroad and suffered a cardiac arrest, according to the hospital in the city of Kochi, where he died.

Sources reported that the Kenyan national was on a walk with his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor when he suddenly collapsed.

An Indian police security officer and a Kenyan security officer were also with them at the time. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, but was declared dead, a spokesman for the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Kerala said.

In  Nairobi,  President William Ruto described him as "Kenya's foremost statesman and one of Africa's greatest sons... a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter and a tireless warrior of good governance."

The president announced seven days of mourning and a state funeral to honour the seasoned politician. 

Euologies 

William Samoei Ruto: President of Kenya

We are blessed to live in a country that has been shaped by the will, the leadership, and the vision of the Right Hon. Raila Odinga.

President William Ruto announcing the death of Raila Odinga. (Nairobi, October 15)

With an unshakable faith in the values of our country and the character of our people, Hon. Raila Odinga fought for our democracy and led the path towards our new constitutional order.

A peacemaker who always put country first, his optimism, strength, and humility epitomised the Kenyan spirit.

Hon. Raila Odinga always believed that our best days are yet to come. His was a path walked with conviction. He bore the scars of struggle with dignity, knowing that freedom was not free and that truth often demands sacrifice.

His life was a testament to the enduring power of a vision grounded in the ideals of democracy, justice, and unity. He was a man who refused to accept the easy path when the right path was harder.

There can be no doubt that Hon Raila Odinga was the most significant leader of our democratic experiment. He carried himself with courage and grace, and his voice, sometimes fiery, sometimes soft, always echoed with purpose.

Hon Odinga is no longer with us, but he has left us stronger and better. We take comfort in the knowledge that he has gone to a better place, a place where rest awaits him. His legacy in Kenya, Africa and on the world stage - as a patriot, a pan-Africanist, and a global statesman - is written in the sands of time.

A quintessential progressive and reformer, he fought for the ideals of human rights, democracy, the rule of law and inclusivity and economic opportunity for all until he breathed his last.

l have lost a big brother, a mentor, a confidant and a selfless patriot. Every time l needed wise counsel, I turned to him time and again. He never once failed me and told me the truth every time, even when the truth was hard.

He has left us a solid foundation built on the rock of faith. It is on that foundation that we shall find our way forward, inspired by his example, his legacy and optimism that our future is great.

From my immediate family, Rachel and the children, we want to assure Mama Ida, Rosemary, Raila Junior, Winnie, Senator Oburu and the entire Odinga family that we stand with them in this moment of grief. Above all, I urge all Kenyans to join hands as we celebrate the incredible legacy of this towering figure in our history.

Samia Suluhu: President of the United Republic of Tanzania

I have received with deep sorrow the news of the death of His Excellency Raila Amolo Odinga. We have lost a brilliant leader, a global African, a peace-loving and solution-seeker, whose influence and love were not only in Kenya, but in East Africa and Africa at large. This tragedy is not just for Kenya, but for all of us.

Raila Odinga poses for a photo with President William Ruto, Yoweri Museveni, Salva Kiir, Samia Suluhu and other regional leaders during the launch of his African Union Commission chairmanship bid on August 27, 2024.

On behalf of the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania, I send my condolences to the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto, Mama Ida Odinga, children, family, relatives, friends and all Kenyans on this tragedy.

We join in praying to God to grant them patience, comfort and faith during this period, and may the soul of our beloved.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud: President of Somalia

I extend my heartfelt Condolences to President William Ruto and 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.

Cyril Ramaphosa: President  of South Africa

On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa extends his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kenya on the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Mr Odinga, who led Kenya from 2008 to 2013, has passed away at the age of 80 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts and prayers are with the Odinga family and friends and associates of the late former Prime Minister, including the Orange Democratic Movement.

President Ramaphosa said: “The nation of Kenya and our continent have lost a patriotic and selfless leader whom I knew and worked with as a friend and brother.

“Raila Odinga was committed to the development of his own nation as well as prosperity and the silencing of the guns on our Continent, as evidenced by his appointment by the African Union to advance peace in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010.

“He remained unwaveringly true to his principles and vision in the face of deep personal sacrifice and obstacles and remained a leader who placed the interests of his country and continent first.”

Hakainde Hichilema: President of the Republic of Zambia

Saddened to hear of the passing of former Prime Minister  Raila Odinga.

We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Kenya, the Odinga family, President William Ruto and all those touched by this towering advocate for democracy. His legacy will endure. May he rest in eternal peace. 

Narendra Modi: India's Prime Minister

Raila Odinga in an undated photograph with India's Modi.

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 over the years. He had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and the traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter's health. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief.

Julius Maada Wonie: President of the Republic of Sierra Leone

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and the people of Kenya on the passing of Raila Odinga.

During this difficult time, I hope you find comfort in the support and sympathy from Sierra Leone and beyond.

Uhuru Kenyatta: Former President of Kenya  

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 across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction.

To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life. Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved. At some point along that journey, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense.

Baba, as we fondly referred to him, was a man who made you sharpen your own ideas, compelling you to defend your positions with rigour and passion.

However, in recent years, a different bond was forged; one of respect, of shared patriotism, and a common desire to see a united Kenya.

That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in the pursuit of “Handshake” unity taught me the true measure of the man. I saw firsthand his unwavering passion for this country, his deep-seated belief in justice, and his incredible capacity to think beyond personal ambition for the sake of national peace. He was a formidable opponent, but he was an even more invaluable ally in the cause of reconciliation.

I have lost a friend and a brother. I will miss our conversations, sometimes challenging, always insightful and the fire of belief that never left his eyes.

To Mama Ida, the children, and the entire Odinga family, I extend my deepest, most heartfelt condolences. You have shared Baba with Kenya for a lifetime, and we mourn with you. We have lost a father to the nation, a steadfast champion for the people, and a true son of Kenya.

His legacy is not just in the political battles he fought, but in the peace he helped build. It is etched in the very fabric of our nation. Rest in peace, my brother. Your work here is done, but your echo will never fade.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf: Chairperson of the African Union Commission 

On behalf of the African Union, its organs and institutions, I  extend my deepest condolences to the Odinga family, the Government and people of Kenya, and to the entire African family mourning this immense loss.

H.E. Raila Odinga was a towering figure in Kenya’s political life and a steadfast champion of democracy, good governance, and people-centred development. His decades-long commitment to justice, pluralism, and democratic reform left an indelible mark not only on Kenya but across the African continent. He inspired generations of leaders, including myself, and citizens alike through his courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of dialogue and democratic institutions,” said the Chairperson.

“Mr Odinga’s contributions extended far beyond national borders. As the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, he worked tirelessly to advance the continent’s integration and connectivity agenda, helping to lay the foundations for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and broader socio-economic transformation,” he added.

“Africa has lost one of its most visionary sons, a leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, democracy, and unity. His legacy will continue to inspire our collective efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Africa.”

The African Union joins the Government and people of Kenya, and the entire continent, in celebrating the life, service, and enduring legacy of H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Moussa Faki Mahamat: Former Chairperson of the African Union Commission

It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of the late Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya & PanAfrican statesman. A fearless leader, Raila Odinga, shaped the political trajectory of his country. A strong advocate for Continental integration, he also served the Continent as High Representative for Infrastructure Development.  My deepest condolences to his family, the People and Government of Kenya.

Musalia W Mudavadi: Prime Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Kenya

Today, our nation mourns the passing of a towering statesman, a gallant fighter for democracy, and a son of Kenya whose life was defined by courage, conviction, and an unyielding love for his country, Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.

I have walked a long and eventful journey alongside Raila, at times as an ally, at times on different political paths, but always with deep mutual respect and a shared commitment to the ideals of a free, just, and prosperous Kenya. We worked together in government and in opposition, in moments of great national triumph and in difficult chapters of our history. Through it all, his resilience, political acumen, and unwavering belief in the power of the people remained constant.

Raila was the pre-eminent statesman of Kenya, who sacrificed personal ambition for the nation, not once, not twice, but time and again. Whenever the soul of our nation stood on the brink of disintegration, he recalibrated his political path to safeguard its unity.

Raila’s voice echoed hope to millions, a name forever synonymous with democracy, social justice, and human rights. His legacy will endure in the democratic gains he championed, the bridges he built, and the generations he inspired to believe in a better Kenya.

On behalf of my wife Tessie, my family, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and in my personal capacity, I extend heartfelt condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, the entire Odinga family, his supporters across the country, and the people of Kenya.

May Kenya find strength in his enduring legacy.

Rigathi Gachagua, former Kenyan Vice President

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 and Raila Odinga with their respective spouses. (File photo)

The enigma Baba, the father of our democracy and a formidable hero of Kenya’s 2nd liberation, you stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge and quest for democracy. You faced brutal regimes’ brutality, you were tortured, jailed, abducted and detained severally for Kenya.  When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers.

You dedicated your life to the service of humanity: as a political activist, a Civil Servant, a University Lecturer, an MP, a Party Leader, a Cabinet Minister, a Prime Minister and many other fronts. On all these, your trail of success and impact remains indelible.

Kenyans will not only remember your craft in resilience, persistence and democratic values days on but also your voice during difficult moments.

It will be remembered that you were at the forefront of the fight for Kenya’s democracy and liberation of Kenya on many fronts. Most profoundly, Kenya’s multiparty democracy and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, a race you strongly stood in for, and we, the people of Kenya, shall never forget.

Much as we have never been on the same political side, I have had a strong admiration for Raila Odinga's art of forming and sustaining a strong political party that survived 4 general elections. I remain amazed by his choice of quality legislators to fly the party flag and eloquently articulate party policies and the people they represented.

You are a hero celebrated home and away; you have not gone, Raila Odinga, you have just faded away.

Rest in peace, Baba, and may perpetual light shine upon you forever.

William Gabula Nadiope Kyabazinga (King) of Busoga

Africa mourns the profound loss of a Towering Statesman and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, a distinguished figure and champion of Pan-Africanism, democracy, justice and unity.

Odinga's lifelong dedication and remarkable efforts have made a lasting impact.

His leadership exemplified the essence of service and sacrifice, demonstrating that true leadership is about uplifting others.

Charles Peter Mayiga: Katikiro of Buganda

The news of the death of Mr Raila Odinga has been received with sadness.

The Odinga family has had a long and close relationship with Buganda's Royal Family, right from the days of Ssekabaka Edward Muteesa II to date. Mr Raila Odinga has contributed significantly to Kenya's political processes and constitutional development. He has also been a strong businessman.

Raila Odinga in an undated photograph hosting Kabaka Ronald Mwenda Mutebi, King of Buganda.

I express my condolences to members of his family, friends, Kenyans, and all East Africans. May the Lord receive his soul. CPM