Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80, family sources reported to the BBC. He passed away while receiving medical treatment in India, leading to an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
A titan of Kenyan politics, Odinga made five attempts to become president, each time rejecting the results, claiming electoral fraud. His notable political career included the annulment by Kenya's highest court of Uhuru Kenyatta's victory in 2017, which resulted in mandates for fresh elections. However, he boycotted the rerun in pursuit of electoral reforms.
His initial run for presidency in 2007 resulted in the most significant crisis in Kenya’s history due to allegations of rigging and subsequent violence, leading to over 1,200 deaths. The aftermath required intervention from former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, leading to a power-sharing agreement and Odinga's position as Prime Minister.
Odinga's later years saw him join President William Ruto in a broad-based government, a move met with both support and critique as it came after a series of nationwide protests and violence against civilians. Despite his electoral setbacks, including a recent defeat in 2022, Odinga's political maneuvers, including his bid for the chairperson of the African Union Commission, demonstrated his unyielding commitment to influence and reform.
Throughout his life, he inspired many with his strategic mobilization skills, often drawing large crowds to his rallies and communicating effectively with the public. Known affectionately as 'Baba' (Father), 'Agwambo' (Act of God), and 'Tinga' (Tractor), Odinga was a champion of human rights and democratic freedoms, enduring two periods of detention under former president Daniel arap Moi. His legacy as a transformative figure in Kenyan politics remains unquestioned.
