NAIROBI, Kenya — Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics and a former prime minister, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80 due to a heart attack while in India. His death was confirmed by Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, where he was rushed after collapsing during a morning walk. Despite immediate medical intervention, Odinga succumbed to cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy of political activism and influence. Odinga, a perennial presidential candidate, ran for Kenya’s highest office five times over three decades, coming closest in 2007 when he narrowly lost to incumbent Mwai Kibaki in a contested election that sparked widespread ethnic violence. A member of the Luo ethnic group, Odinga spent his career navigating Kenya’s tribal political landscape, striving to unite diverse factions. Although he never achieved the presidency, his efforts were instrumental in transitioning Kenya from single-party rule to a multiparty democracy. Recently, he had forged a political alliance with President William Ruto, integrating his opposition party into key government roles. Odinga’s populist campaigns and ability to rally massive support made him a revered figure, symbolizing hope and resilience for many Kenyans. His death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics, leaving a void that will be deeply felt across the nation.
Former Kenyan premier Raila Odinga, a key figure in African politics, dies at 80
