Raila Amolo Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, passed away on Wednesday in Kerala, India, following a cardiac arrest during a morning walk. He was 80. Odinga was taken to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead.

The veteran politician had been visiting the hospital in Kochi alongside his family. His daughter, Rosemary Odinga, has been receiving treatment at Sreedhareeyam Hospital in Thodupuzha, having previously recovered some of her vision after undergoing Ayurvedic therapy in India.

Early life and political rise

Born on January 7, 1945, Raila Odinga emerged as one of Kenya’s most prominent political figures. He served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and was the Member of Parliament for Langata Constituency from 1992 to 2013. Following his tenure as prime minister, he assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition and led the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party.

Odinga’s political ideology leaned toward social democracy, with an early preference for a parliamentary system. Later, he supported a presidential system with devolved powers, a principle now enshrined in Kenya’s constitution to ensure equitable regional development and curb centralized power abuse. He played a significant role in Kenya’s devolution reforms, aiming to guarantee all regions fair access to resources regardless of ethnicity or political alignment. 

Presidential campaigns and political struggles

Raila Odinga ran unsuccessfully for Kenya’s presidency five times, in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022. In each election, he alleged electoral fraud.

  • In 1997, representing the National Development Party (NDP), he finished third.
  • In 2007, as a candidate for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), he lost to Mwai Kibaki.
  • In 2013, 2017, and 2022, he was runner-up under the Coalitions for Reforms and Democracy (CORD), National Super Alliance (NASA), and Azimio la Umoja, respectively.

Following his most recent loss, he filed a petition against President-elect William Ruto at Kenya’s Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled against him. Odinga pledged to respect the verdict. In February 2024, he also ran for the chairpersonship of the African Union Commission but was defeated.

Historical arrests and activism

Odinga’s political journey was marked by struggle and imprisonment. Following a failed coup attempt in August 1982 against then-President Daniel Arap Moi, Odinga and his late father Oginga Odinga were implicated and placed under house arrest for seven months. He was later charged with treason and detained for six years without trial. The coup, led by Kenya Air Force soldiers under Senior Private Hezekiah Ochuka, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, thousands of soldiers, and several foreigners.

Personal life and family

Raila Odinga was deeply committed to his family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 2022 ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, recalled a conversation with Odinga about his daughter Rosemary, who suffered from a brain tumour that severely impaired her eyesight. Despite seeking treatment across multiple countries, her vision only improved after Ayurvedic therapy in India.

Economic and social advocacy

Throughout his career, Odinga championed policies addressing inequality and social welfare. During times of economic downturn and severe drought in Kenya, he called for suspending taxes on fuel and certain staple foods, highlighting their disproportionate impact on the poor.

Odinga’s body remains at Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, with authorities coordinating formalities with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

(With inputs from PTI)