Raila Odinga, Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Dies at 80

Africa|Raila Odinga, Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Dies at 80

Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics who served as prime minister and ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times, died while on a trip to India, according to a hospital there and a former campaign adviser. He was 80.

Mr. Odinga played a pivotal role in championing multiparty democracy in the 1990s, after multiple spells in detention without trial. He was a leader both inside government and as the main opposition leader.

His death leaves a void in Kenyan politics, given his role as the principal challenger to successive governments. But in the short term, it could strengthen the hand of President William Ruto, who faces re-election in 2027.

The Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, in southern India, confirmed in a phone call that Mr. Odinga had died there on Wednesday after collapsing during a morning walk.

Ben Agina, a senior adviser in Mr. Odinga’s 2022 election campaign, also confirmed the death.

“It’s a sad day for us,” Mr. Agina said by telephone as he was driving to Mr. Odinga’s house in suburban Nairobi to pay his respects. “His death has caused a major split politically. The horizon looks unclear. And it will be a big blow especially to his party.”

Mr. Ruto was expected to make a statement later on Wednesday, according to Kenyan media reports. They said that Mr. Odinga’s elder brother, Oburu Odinga, who is a senator, was expected to address the news media.

Thousands of people poured onto the streets in Kisumu, the city in western Kenya that was Mr. Odinga’s political stronghold. Some waved tree branches as a sign of mourning, while others blew whistles or honked car and motorbike horns.

“The death of Raila is the death of a hero,” said Jacob Otieno Akach, 75, who lives in the city. “His work toward development and democracy is evident and shall live beyond him.”

Odera Wycliffe contributed reporting from Kisumu.