Leaders from across Africa and the world have paid tribute to Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister, who passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest. Reports indicate that Odinga collapsed during a morning walk within the premises of the Ayurvedic treatment facility where he had been staying in Kerala, India, undergoing treatment. His body is currently being held at the hospital, as local police have informed the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to initiate standard procedures in accordance with protocol. Among the tributes that are continuing to come in, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned Odinga’s passing, describing him as more than a political colleague and a defining part of his own journey. “To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life,” Kenyatta said. “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.” He recalled Odinga as a man who challenged others to think deeply and defend their ideas passionately. “Baba, as we fondly referred to him, was a man who made you sharpen your own ideas, compelling you to defend your positions with rigor and passion. However, in recent years, a different bond was forged — one of respect, shared patriotism, and a common desire to see a united Kenya,” he added. MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM H.E. UHURU KENYATTA FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER HON. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA. 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... pic.twitter.com/w9O9JsHJxF — Office of the 4th President of Kenya. (@4thPresidentKE) October 15, 2025 Reflecting on their reconciliation, Kenyatta said the journey from fierce political rivals to partners in the ‘Handshake’ unity initiative revealed Odinga’s true character. “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 an even more invaluable ally in the cause of reconciliation,” he said. “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, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, described Odinga as a towering figure in Kenya’s political life and a steadfast champion of democracy, good governance, and people-centered 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, through his courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of dialogue and democratic institutions,” Youssouf said in a statement. Statement by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the Passing of H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has learned with profound sadness of the passing of H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime... pic.twitter.com/aN2f0PAziS — African Union (@_AfricanUnion) October 15, 2025 He noted that Odinga’s contributions extended far beyond Kenya’s borders through his work 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 former Kenyan Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua also mourned Odinga, praising his resilience and lifelong dedication to democracy. “The father of our democracy and a formidable hero of Kenya’s second liberation, you stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge, and the quest for democracy,” Gachagua said. “You faced brutal regimes, endured torture, imprisonment, and abductions for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers.” He added that despite their political differences, he admired Odinga’s ability to build and sustain a strong political party. “Much as we have never been on the same political side, I have had strong admiration for Raila Odinga's art of forming and sustaining a strong political party that survived four general elections,” Gachagua said. “I remain amazed by his choice of quality legislators to fly the party flag and eloquently articulate party policies and the people they represented.” Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan wrote on X that Odinga was “a brilliant leader, an African socialist, a peace lover, and a solution seeker,” whose influence transcended borders. “We have lost a brilliant leader, an African Socialist, a peace lover and a solution seeker, whose influence and love was not only in Kenya, but in East Africa and Africa as a whole. This tragedy is not only for Kenya, but for all of us,” she said, extending condolences to President William Ruto, Mama Ida Odinga, their children, and all Kenyans. Nimepokea kwa masikitiko makubwa taarifa ya kifo cha Mheshimiwa Raila Amolo Odinga. Tumempoteza kiongozi mahiri, Mwanamajumui wa Afrika, mpenda amani na mtafuta suluhu, ambaye ushawishi na upendo wake haukuwa tu ndani ya Kenya, bali Afrika Mashariki na Afrika kwa ujumla. Msiba... pic.twitter.com/tPyAsyQk0N — Samia Suluhu (@SuluhuSamia) October 15, 2025 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, describing Odinga as “a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India.” “He had a special affection for India, our culture, values, and ancient wisdom,” Modi said. “This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India–Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and 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.” 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... pic.twitter.com/Nmya9C3LZi — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2025 Former AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat praised Odinga as “a fearless leader who shaped the political trajectory of his country and a strong advocate for continental integration.” 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... pic.twitter.com/iZrWuiF3AG — Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) October 15, 2025 Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also expressed solidarity with Kenya, saying “Raila Odinga was a towering statesman whose legacy of democracy, justice, and public service will endure. Somalia stands in solidarity with Kenya in this moment of grief.”
