Following news reports that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga died on Wednesday morning, a number of politicians and party officials have shared their grievances on social media.
The news first broke from news outlets in India who reported that the party leader had been taking a morning walk when he suffered a cardiac arrest.
Although the government and the party is yet to issue a formal statement on the death, the ODM Director of Communications Phillip Etale shared a cryptic post on X, reading, "I am deflated."
Narok Senator, ODM's Ledama Ole Kina wrote, "Eeehhh Taaa! What a day."
For Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o posted a black portrait, often associated with mourning a loss.
Kileleshwa MP Robert Alai, also joined the trend by merely writing sharing a photo of the departed party leader and captioning it "Baba", the endearing nickname of Odinga.
Miguna Miguna, former Raila ally who infamously swore him as the people's President in 2018 following the disputed 2017 general elections also shared his condolences, despite their bitter split.
"Yes, I have just heard the sad news. Our condolences to the family of Raila Odinga. Rest in peace, Jakom," Miguna wrote.
Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka also bid farewel to Raila saying, "Farewell to the indomitable Raila Amollo Odinga ; an enigma whose spirit, vision, and legacy will live on forever. R.I.P Baba."
Mourned as an enigma and Kenya's longest running opposition leader, many cited his contributions in Kenya's political landscape during his run.
"I join the Jaramogi family, the ODM party, the Luo Nation, friends, relatives and the rest of the Kenyan Nation in mourning Raila Odinga.
I also join them in celebrating the outstanding life a political giant, a great man.
Fare thee well Tinga," Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale stated.
Former Presidential Candidate James Ole Kiyiapi lauded his contributions to the life, and democratisation of Kenya and his significant influence to political and constitutional and legal reforms as opposition.
"The breaking news of the demise of the former PM Hon. Raila Odinga is profoundly shocking. Whatever we may say of the man, he contributed immensely to the life, and democratization of Kenya and significantly influenced political, constitutional and legal reforms in the country! A renowned pan-Africanist!" he stated.
Odinga collapsed on premises of an Ayurvedic facility on Wednesday morning during his morning walk and was rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam where he was pronounced dead at around 9:53am Indian Time.
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