Leaders from around the world and across Kenya’s political divide have paid heartfelt tribute to former prime minister Raila Odinga, who died of cardiac failure in India on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Many have described Odinga as a towering figure who dedicated his life to democracy, social justice and national unity. He was 80 years old.

In recent weeks, there has been speculation about his health, although family members and political allies had dismissed reports suggesting he was critically ill. Politicians and other leaders, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other’s have been sending their condolences.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his government’s solidarity with Kenya during what he described as a moment of “profound loss.”

“On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. May he rest in peace,” Abiy said in his message of condolence.

Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu described Odinga as a Pan-African giant whose ideals transcended borders.

“Today, Africa mourns the loss of one of its most iconic sons, H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga,” Workneh said.

“An unwavering Pan-Africanist, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of democracy, justice, and unity. His lifelong struggle for freedom and equality inspired generations across Kenya and beyond, reminding us that leadership is not about power, but about service and sacrifice.”

“IGAD stands with the people and Government of Kenya in this moment of profound sorrow. His legacy will forever echo in the democratic foundations he helped build and in the enduring hope he instilled across our continent.”

Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh also extended his condolences, describing Odinga’s death as a loss not just for Kenya but for Africa as a whole.

“Raila Odinga is gone. Kenya has lost a visionary leader. Our condolences to his family and all the Kenyan people,” President Guelleh said.

Similarly, Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema hailed Odinga as a “towering advocate for democracy” whose influence would endure for generations.

“Saddened to hear of the passing of former PM Raila Odinga. We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Kenya, the Odinga family, President William Ruto, and all those touched by this towering advocate for democracy. His legacy will endure. May he rest in eternal peace,” Hichilema said.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta joined leaders and Kenyans in mourning the death of the former Prime Minister, saying he had lost a friend.

He described him as a fierce opponent who later became his “handshake” brother, “more than a political colleague, he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life.”

“Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved. At some point along that journey, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense,” he said in a statement.

“That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in the pursuit of “Handshake” unity taught me the true measure of the man. I saw firsthand his unwavering passion for this country, his deep-seated belief in justice, and his incredible capacity to think beyond personal ambition for the sake of national peace. I have lost a friend and a brother. I will miss our conversations sometimes challenging, always insightful and the fire of belief that never left his eyes,” he stated.

“To Mama Ida, the children, and the entire Odinga family, I extend my deepest, most heartfelt condolences. You have shared Baba with Kenya for a lifetime, and we mourn with you.”

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, alsojoined millions across Africa in mourning the death of Kenya’s veteran opposition leader.

“We have lost an astute leader, a Pan-Africanist, a lover of peace and a seeker of solutions whose wisdom and compassion went beyond Kenya to touch the whole of Africa. This is not Kenya’s loss alone, but ours as a continent,” President Samia said in a condolence message posted on her official social media accounts.

She extended heartfelt condolences to Kenya’s President William Ruto, Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family, friends, and all the people of Kenya, praying that the Almighty grant them strength and solace during this painful moment.

Somalia’s President Hassan Mohamud extended his condolences to President William Ruto and the people of Kenya on the passing of former PM Raila Odinga. “A towering statesman whose legacy of democracy, justice, and public service will endure. Somalia stands in solidarity with Kenya in this moment of grief,” he said.

 

The African Union Commission (AUC), through its Chairperson, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, also joined other world leaders to mourn the former Prime Minister, describing him as “one of Africa’s most visionary sons”.

Chairperson Youssouf extended his condolences to Odinga’s family, the government and people of Kenya, and to the broader African community as he hailed the ODM party leader as a towering figure in Kenyan and African politics.

“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has learned with profound sadness of the passing of H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, and a distinguished statesman of the African continent,” a statement from the AUC read.

“On behalf of the African Union, its organs and institutions, the Chairperson extends his deepest condolences to the Odinga family, the government and people of Kenya, and to the entire African family mourning this immense loss.”

Former AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki on his part said, “It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of the late Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya & PanAfrican statesman. A fearless leader, Raila Odinga shaped the political trajectory of his country. A strong advocate for Continental integration, he also served the Continent as High Representative for Infrastructure Development. My deepest condolences to his family, the People and Government of Kenya.”

Outside the continent, other world leaders led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the passing of Raila Odinga.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued over the years. He had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter’s health. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief.”