The World Pays Tribute to Raila Odinga: Kenya’s Symbol of Democracy
Global tributes continue to pour in following the death of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga, a man celebrated both at home and abroad as a fearless defender of democracy and social justice. Odinga, fondly known as Baba, passed away at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in Kochi, India. His death was confirmed after he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre, where he had been receiving care. Despite swift efforts to rush him to a nearby private hospital, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
The news of his passing sent shockwaves across Kenya and beyond, sparking an outpouring of grief and remembrance from world leaders, African statesmen, and millions of citizens who viewed him as a cornerstone of Kenya’s democratic journey. In Kenya, vigils were held in several towns including Nairobi, Kisumu, and Bondo, as mourners gathered to celebrate the life of a man who spent decades fighting for justice, freedom, and national unity.
Messages of condolence flooded social media and news outlets as international figures shared their admiration for Odinga’s courage and persistence. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali hailed him as a pan-African patriot who inspired reform across the continent. Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan described him as a “visionary leader whose pursuit of peace and democracy will forever inspire Africa.”
In Kenya, tributes came from across the political divide. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua referred to Odinga as “the father of Kenya’s democracy” and “a true hero of Africa’s second liberation,” acknowledging his role in ending one-party rule and shaping Kenya’s multiparty system. Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi described him as a man who made difficult choices guided not by politics, but by principle. “He believed in what was right, not what was easy,” Moi said.
Institutions such as the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) also paid tribute, calling Odinga a statesman whose leadership transcended politics. They credited him with fostering dialogue and promoting inclusivity in times of national tension.
Ordinary Kenyans, too, shared heartfelt memories of the man they affectionately called Baba. In the lakeside city of Kisumu—his political stronghold—crowds filled the streets waving flags and singing songs of remembrance. Many recalled his resilience during periods of political struggle and his unwavering call for unity despite facing imprisonment, intimidation, and betrayal.
Beyond Kenya, the African Union and the United Nations both recognized Odinga’s global influence. His efforts as AU High Representative for Infrastructure were commended for strengthening regional cooperation and connectivity across Africa. The AU termed him “a true servant of the continent,” while the UN remembered him as “a bridge-builder who believed in the power of dialogue to resolve conflict.”
While political differences occasionally defined his career, there was a shared understanding among mourners that Raila Odinga’s commitment to Kenya’s transformation was unmatched. His legacy, many noted, will endure as a beacon of courage and perseverance for generations to come.
As Kenya observes a week of national mourning, flags fly at half-mast and preparations are underway for a state funeral befitting his stature. Across the nation and the continent, Raila Odinga’s passing marks the end of an era—but his ideals of democracy, justice, and unity remain etched in history as a lasting inspiration for all.
IMAGE : JAMHURI SONGS
