Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and a prominent figure in the country’s opposition, has passed away at the age of 80. His body arrived in Nairobi on Thursday, where it was met with a large and emotional crowd, marking the beginning of a national period of mourning.
The aircraft carrying Odinga’s remains landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and as the coffin exited the tarmac, thousands of Kenyans gathered to pay their respects. They waved flags, sang the national anthem, and chanted in tribute to the leader they affectionately called “Baba.” A procession of motorcycle taxis, known as “boda bodas,” accompanied the hearse, highlighting Odinga’s deep connection with the populace.
Odinga was a defining force in Kenyan politics, championing multiparty democracy in the 1990s and enduring periods of detention without trial. He made five unsuccessful presidential bids, the most recent in 2022. Each defeat was contested, with the 2007 election being particularly notable, as it triggered widespread violence and led to a power-sharing agreement that made him Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.
Despite his role as an opposition leader, Odinga was respected across political divides, and his legacy is one of a dedicated patriot. President William Ruto, his former rival, announced a seven-day mourning period with flags at half-staff, describing Odinga’s passing as an “immense and immeasurable loss.” Following his 2022 defeat, Odinga joined Ruto in a “broad-based” government, a move he defended as essential for national unity.
Odinga’s body will lie in state in Parliament for public viewing, with a national funeral ceremony scheduled for Friday. He will be laid to rest on Sunday in his home in Bondo. The outpouring of grief and respect for Odinga reflects his significant impact on Kenyan politics and his commitment to the country’s democracy. His legacy will continue to be felt in the years to come, and his passing marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics.
