Raila Odinga Dies in India Aged 80
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga died Wednesday morning aged 80 while receiving treatment at in India, family sources told Business Day Africa.
The touring politician who was the party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is said to have suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk.
He had been at the forefront of Kenyan politics for more than three decades and made five unsuccessful attempts at the presidency, his last being in 2022 when he narrowly lost to William Ruto.
Mr Odinga who was son of Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, flew to India a fortnight ago, amid speculations about his health status.
News of his passing spread across the country fast Wednesday morning with mourners pouring on the streets amid the shock. Along Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Street in Kisumu, residents swarmed the always busy street to mourn the fallen leader.
Hundreds of Kibra residents poured to the streets chanting ‘Jowi Jowi‘ in mourning of the fallen leader, paralysing transport along Ngong Road paralysed.
In Mombasa, crowds gathered at Banglaa area to mourn the Mr Odinga while Kisii National Polytechnic students took to the streets to mourn ODM Leader.
The National Assembly adjourned its morning sitting following the news of his demise, with a visibly shaken Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directing MPs to convene later in the day for official communication on the matter.
Condolence messages continue pouring in from leaders across the political divide, as well as from international partners and citizens, all hailing Mr Odinga’s lifelong dedication to Kenya’s democratic ideals.
President Ruto says ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga to be accorded State funeral and named Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as leader of team coordinating funeral arrangements.
His body is due to be flown back home overnight for a funeral service and burial. Mr Odinga’s will expressly stated that he be interred within 72 hours of his death.
His body is expected to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9.30 am Thursday where it will be received by President Ruto, family and other officials and escorted to Lee Funeral home.
Public viewing of the body of Mr Odinga is expected take place at Parliament Buildings later the same day on Thursday, 16th October 2025 from 12 noon until 5pm.
The Burial will take place on Sunday 19th, October 2025 at his home in Bondo, Siaya County.
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