Obituary: Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga

Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya, passed away on Wednesday, following a cardiac arrest in Kochi.

Incident Details

Mr. Odinga collapsed during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic facility and was subsequently taken to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam. He was declared deceased at approximately 9:52 am Indian time.

Political Career

Raila Odinga, aged 80, was an influential figure in Kenyan politics. He served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and was a member of the Luo tribe. Odinga entered parliament in 1992 and ran for the presidency multiple times, including in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022.

Election History and Impact

Odinga claimed electoral malpractice in the last four presidential elections he contested. The disputed 2007 election resulted in significant ethnic violence, leading to over 1,100 casualties. Notably, reconciliatory gestures were made with political rivals Kenyatta in 2018 and Ruto in 2023.

Legacy and Contributions

Odinga was recognized as a longstanding opposition leader and was the son of Kenya’s first vice president. His political pursuits focused on reducing corruption, providing universal healthcare, free education, and financial support to the unemployed. His influence extended across western Kenya, a region often overlooked by the government due to its opposition stance.

Business Interests

Although not as affluent as some of his contemporaries, Odinga held significant business interests, particularly in the energy sector.