Africa Mourns as Kenya’s Opposition Leader Raila Odinga Dies in India

By Diafa Doubra,

Africa has been thrown into mourning following the death of Kenya’s veteran opposition leader, Raila Odinga, who reportedly passed away in India while receiving medical treatment.

Sources close to the family confirmed that the 80-year-old politician, who had traveled to India for a routine medical check-up, died on Tuesday after developing complications. His death marks the end of an era for one of Africa’s most vocal democracy advocates, whose political influence shaped Kenya’s modern history for over four decades.

Odinga, known fondly as “Baba,” was a five-time presidential contender and the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He was widely respected across Africa for his unwavering fight for democratic reforms, good governance, and electoral justice.

Tributes have begun pouring in from across the continent, with leaders describing him as a fearless statesman and a symbol of hope for democratic resilience in Africa. Kenya’s government is expected to announce a national mourning period in his honour, as citizens continue to gather at his residence to pay their respects.