Tributes are pouring in from across Africa and beyond following the death of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and one of the continent’s most influential political figures, who passed away at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in Kochi, India.
Odinga, widely known as “Baba”, was celebrated for his lifelong struggle for democracy, justice, and Pan-African unity. Although he never ascended to the presidency despite five attempts, his legacy as a pro-democracy icon remains undisputed.
Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, described Odinga as “a distinguished statesman in our region, selfless in advancing peace, development, and diplomatic relations.”
He recalled moments where Odinga quietly intervened to ease tensions between Uganda and Kenya, urging leaders to emulate his patriotism.
Leader of Opposition in Uganda’s Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, called Odinga “a towering figure, not just in Kenya but across Africa,” noting his relentless fight for democracy.
From the Kingdom of Buganda, Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga highlighted the Odinga family’s historical ties with the Buganda Royal Family, describing the late leader as “a key figure in Kenya’s constitutional development and a strong businessman.”
The Chairman of the Pan African Movement Uganda Chapter, Capt. Mike Mukula, issued one of the most emotional tributes, calling Odinga “a revolutionary force, a man of immense courage and unbreakable faith in Africa’s destiny.” Mukula, who maintained close personal ties with Odinga, hailed him as “a bridge between generations and a beacon of African unity.”
Beyond Africa, condolences echoed globally. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow, referring to Odinga as “a cherished friend of India”. Modi fondly remembered Odinga’s admiration for Indian traditional medicine systems, which had helped improve his daughter’s health.
Former Chief Justice of Kenya, David Maraga, honoured Odinga as “a patriot, a pan-Africanist and democrat,” adding that “Kenya has lost one of its most formidable leaders who shaped the trajectory of our country.”
Who Was Raila Amolo Odinga?
Born on January 7, 1945 in Maseno, Kisumu District, Odinga was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President. He served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and represented Langata Constituency as MP for over two decades (1992–2013).
Since 2013, he remained Kenya’s most prominent Leader of Opposition, fiercely advocating for electoral justice.
Despite enduring imprisonment, political persecution, and repeated electoral setbacks, Odinga consistently championed national unity and reconciliation, choosing dialogue over division.
As Africa mourns one of its most enduring political giants, tributes continue to flow, celebrating not only the man Raila Odinga was, but the ideals he stood for: democracy, resilience, and African solidarity.
The Source Reports.
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