As Kenya mourns, Raila Odinga’s final chapter begins

He played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape and mentoring many of its past and present leaders, including President William Ruto.

Throughout the day, tributes poured in from across the political divide, hailing Odinga as a liberator, Pan-Africanist, and tireless advocate for democracy. From the corridors of power to the streets, Kenyans reflected on his life and legacy.

Read: Pan-African-in-chief: Inside Raila Odinga’s dream for the continent

President Ruto, in a televised address on Wednesday, announced Odinga’s death and declared seven days of national mourning and a State funeral. He described him as “a colossus of Kenya’s modern politics, an indomitable warrior in our struggle for freedom and prosperity.”

“In his passing, we have lost a patriot of uncommon courage — a Pan-Africanist who offered a compelling model of principled politics,” President Ruto said.

Uhuru’s deep sorrow

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his former rival-turned-ally, recalling their intense political battles and eventual friendship.

“For me, Raila was more than a political counterpart; he played a pivotal role in my journey, both in public service and in life,” he said. “We became adversaries, and at times the rivalry was overwhelming. I have lost not only a friend but a brother.”

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said he would cut short his UK tour to honour Odinga, whom he supported in three presidential campaigns.

“Kenya has lost a remarkable leader, the President who won but was never officially declared or sworn in,” Kalonzo said, adding “Odinga is a loss not just to his family and country, but to the entire African continent”.

He also praised Odinga’s fight for multiparty democracy, recalling his resilience during years of imprisonment.

Mourners on the streets

In Kisumu, Odinga’s political stronghold, hundreds of mourners poured into the streets. Some waved tree branches as a sign of mourning; others blew whistles or honked car horns.

In Nairobi, Mama Ida Odinga, the widow of the former Prime Minister, broke her silence outside their Karen home.

“I know you’re all upset. We didn’t expect it to happen this way, but it has already happened,” she told supporters before retreating into the house, flanked by ODM party leaders.

Hundreds of supporters, many weeping and waving twigs to ward off bad omens, gathered at the home to pay their respects.

Across Odinga’s other political strongholds in Siaya, and Homa Bay, similar scenes unfolded — processions, mourning songs, and chants of resistance blending into a shared outpouring of grief.

For many, Wednesday was not just a day of mourning but the beginning of a reckoning — with grief, history, and a future suddenly uncertain without Baba.

In a statement, the Orange Democratic Movement called Odinga “a true giant of the nation and a darling in the hearts of Kenyans.” ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna told reporters at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport that it was “too early” to discuss who might succeed him as party leader.

Flight to India

President Ruto detailed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to co-chair the funeral committee with Odinga’s elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga. 

A delegation headed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi left for India on Wednesday evening to supervise repatriation of Odinga’s body. 

According to senior family members and State House officials directly involved in his funeral arrangements, he left a clear directive; that he wished to be interred within seventy-two hours of his death.