Kenya, Africa leaders celebrate Raila Odinga's enduring legacy

Kenya was plunged into mourning on Wednesday following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who was receiving treatment in India.

News of his passing sent shockwaves across the country and beyond, as messages of condolence poured in from world leaders, political allies, and citizens who regarded him as a cornerstone of Kenya’s democracy.

Flags flew at half-mast as Kenyans gathered in homes, offices, and marketplaces to reflect on the life of a man whose name had become synonymous with reform, resilience, and the long struggle for a better Kenya.

President William Ruto led the nation in mourning, describing Odinga as a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless warrior for good governance.

In President Ruto’s words, “Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our republic: a story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope, and our pursuit of excellence.”

“For decades, Raila dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equity, and freedom. He endured detention and persecution so that this nation might know and enjoy democracy,” Ruto said in his address.

He celebrated Odinga for championing the birth of rights and freedoms that Kenyans hold dear. “Raila Amolo Odinga is truly a once-in-a-generation leader; a man whose ideals transcended politics and whose legacy will shape the destiny of Kenya for generations to come. A giant who towered for decades over our democratic landscape,” Ruto stated.

Across the border, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan described Odinga as “a Pan-Africanist, a peace lover, and a solutions seeker whose influence transcended borders.”

Other African leaders who condoled with Odinga’s family and Kenya at large, include Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia, who mourned Odinga as “a towering statesman whose legacy of democracy, justice, and public service will endure.”

The European Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, mourned Odinga as a man who dedicated his life to fighting for Kenya. “He has been an iconic leader through the decades. His legacy will live on. May his soul rest in peace,” Geiger said.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, described Odinga as a distinguished statesman of the African continent.

Youssouf, who contested for the AU chair position with Odinga, remembered him 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,” he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the loss, recalling Raila as a friend of India and a voice of Africa whose commitment to justice inspired many.

Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), celebrated Odinga for his unwavering Pan-Africanism and for building democratic foundations that helped build Africa. “His lifelong struggle for freedom and  equality inspired generations across Kenya and beyond, reminding us that leadership is not about power, but about service and sacrifice.”

Within Kenya’s political circles, messages of remembrance painted the picture of a complex but enduring figure.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed sorrow over the passing of Odinga, mourning him as more than a political colleague but a defining part of his own journey, both public and private. “My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with 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,” Uhuru said.

Uhuru went on to describe Baba, as he was fondly referred to, as a man who sharpened ideas and compelled one to defend 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.”

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said Baba was more than an enigma; he was a force of nature that kept going despite every hurdle. “Baba was the longest-suffering political detainee in Kenya. At the heart of the struggle for multipartyism, Raila’s body bore the scars of slings and arrows, bullets, and batons that no man or woman should ever endure,” Musyoka said.

Kanu chairperson Gideon Moi celebrated Odinga as the most “consequential political figure of our time.”

“What will forever define Hon. Odinga’s legacy is his untiring selflessness. He consistently placed the nation above self and all else. He made decisions not because they were popular or convenient, but because they were right,” Moi said.

“He was a man of firm conviction who believed that a country can only prosper when constitutionalism and the rule of law precede any other ambition. Yet, he was pragmatic enough to build consensus when the country’s unity and progress demanded it,” he added.

Chief Justice Martha Koome led the Judiciary in mourning Odinga as a statesman whose name is forever etched in the annals of Kenya’s democratic journey. “His unyielding struggle for political freedom, constitutional reform, and justice transformed Kenya’s political landscape, expanded the frontiers of democratic participation, and anchored the principles of equality and accountability that underpin our governance today,” Koome said.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga described Odinga as a patriot, Pan-Africanist, democrat, and leader who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and Africa. “Kenya has lost one of its most formidable leaders who shaped the trajectory of our beloved country. Africa has lost a leading voice in pushing for peace, security, and development. The world has lost a great leader.”

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua mourned Odinga as “the father of democracy” who dedicated himself to service for humanity throughout his political career. “You faced brutal regimes’ brutality; you were tortured, jailed, abducted, and detained several times for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers,” Gachagua mourned.

Beyond official tributes, mourning was raw across the country and online, as thousands shared memories and moments with Odinga.