The Death of Raila Odinga: A Look at His Legacy and the Future of Kenyan Politics
The former Prime Minister Raila Odinga today morning has been announced dead at age 80 ,he was receiving treatment in Indian City of Kochi ,His death leaves a profound vacuum in the nation’s political landscape.
Odinga, a towering figure often referred to as the “enigma of Kenyan politics,” passed away in the Indian city of Kochi on October 15, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His death has sparked a wave of tributes from allies and rivals alike, prompting a national reflection on his five-decade-long career.
Known as a formidable opposition leader, Odinga made five unsuccessful runs for the presidency, each followed by allegations of electoral fraud and periods of intense political strife. Despite never reaching the presidency, his influence was undeniable. He played a central role in the country’s fight for multi-party democracy in the early 1990s and was a key driver of the 2010 constitutional reforms that reshaped Kenya’s governance. His political journey was marked by periods of imprisonment without trial for his activism against autocratic rule.
Perhaps one of the most defining moments of his later career was the 2018 “Handshake” with his political rival, then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. This surprising public reconciliation calmed political tensions after the contentious 2017 election and led to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). While the BBI was ultimately unsuccessful in amending the constitution, the handshake itself was seen as a symbol of statesmanship and national unity, even as it was criticized by some for undermining the opposition.
Odinga’s death will inevitably raise questions about the future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and the broader political opposition. For decades, he was the indisputable leader, and his departure will likely trigger a scramble for succession. Younger politicians who have long operated in his shadow will now have an opportunity to step into the limelight, and the direction of the opposition coalition will be up for debate.
For President William Ruto’s administration, Odinga’s passing creates a new political dynamic. The role of an opposition figure capable of mobilizing mass protests against the government is now vacant, a role Odinga embraced many times.
As tributes pour in, many in Kenya and beyond are not only mourning a political titan but are also contemplating the future of the country he fought so hard, and at times tumultuously, to shape. Odinga’s legacy will be debated for years to come, but his impact on Kenyan political life is cented.
