‘Father of Our Democracy’: Kenya’s Raila Odinga Dies in India at 80

Former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, one of Africa’s most enduring and influential political figures, has died at the age of 80.

Family sources confirmed to the BBC that Odinga passed away on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in India.

In recent weeks, speculation had mounted regarding his health, though his family and political allies had repeatedly dismissed reports suggesting he was critically ill.

A political mobiliser and reformist who shaped Kenya’s modern political landscape, Raila Odinga ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times, consistently maintaining that his victories were “stolen” through electoral malpractice.

In a landmark decision in 2017, Kenya’s Supreme Court upheld his challenge against then-President Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory a historic ruling that annulled the election and ordered a rerun. However, Odinga boycotted the repeat polls, insisting that necessary electoral reforms had not been implemented.

Despite years of political rivalry, Odinga often reconciled with sitting presidents after contentious elections a move many viewed as a demonstration of his commitment to national unity over personal ambition. 

Following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election, Odinga later agreed to work with President William Ruto in a “broad-based government,” which included some of his allies in key positions. He described the decision as essential to fostering peace and rebuilding the nation after widespread protests that saw dozens killed during clashes with security forces.

Earlier this year, the Ruto administration backed Odinga’s candidacy for Chairperson of the African Union Commission, though he ultimately lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, despite enjoying significant regional backing.

Throughout his decades-long career  Raila Odinga inspired deep loyalty, particularly in western Kenya, his home region. Admirers affectionately called him “Baba” (Father), “Agwambo” (Act of God), and “Tinga” (Tractor) the latter drawn from his party’s symbol during the 1997 elections.

He was celebrated for his grassroots connection, charisma, and unyielding advocacy for democracy and human rights.

Odinga’s life was also marked by sacrifice. A former political prisoner, he was detained twice from 1982 to 1988, and again from 1989 to 1991 under the repressive regime of Daniel arap Moi. His initial arrest stemmed from accusations of involvement in an attempted coup in 1982, a turning point that propelled him into national prominence.

Raila Odinga will be remembered as a symbol of resilience and reform, a man whose political journey mirrored Kenya’s own struggle toward democracy and pluralism.

Even in defeat, he remained a central figure in shaping the country’s democratic discourse often described as the “Father of Kenya’s Democracy.”

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.