Raila Odinga Passes Away: Kenya Honors a Democratic Icon

Kenyan President William Ruto announced seven days of national mourning and a state funeral for opposition leader Raila Odinga, who died on Wednesday.

Ruto described Odinga as "Kenya's foremost statesman and one of Africa's greatest sons… a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and a tireless warrior of good governance." He also said he would postpone all public engagements in the coming days "as a mark of respect."

Odinga had been receiving medical treatment abroad and suffered a cardiac arrest at a hospital in Kochi, India.

For decades, Odinga was at the heart of Kenyan politics, forging alliances with former foes, serving as prime minister for a term, and inspiring lifelong loyalty among his supporters, particularly fellow Luos in the west and in Nairobi. His skill in working with rivals earned him the nickname "Agwambo" ("mysterious one") in the Luo language, while supporters affectionately called him "Baba" ("father" in Swahili).

Following news of his passing, hundreds of supporters from Nairobi's Kibera slum, many crying and waving twigs to ward off bad omens, marched to Odinga's family home in the affluent Karen suburb. Crowds also gathered in Kisumu and Eldoret, towns where he was widely popular.

Odinga’s long legacy as a democracy activist helped secure two of Kenya's most significant reforms: multiparty democracy in 1991 and a new constitution in 2010.
Opinions on his legacy were divided. "May his fight for democracy continue to inspire our nation’s leaders," said Nairobi resident Grace Mbugua. Accountant Patrick Mungai added, "He may not have had the best interests of all Kenyans at all times, and during his push for democracy, many lives were lost."