Kenyans woke up to the sad news of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passing on after suffering a cardiac arrest while taking a morning walk in India.
According to reports, he collapsed within the premises of an Ayurvedic facility and was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at around 9:53am Indian Time (7:23am in Nairobi).
Following his death, Kenyans from all walks of life have taken to various platforms to mourn the ODM party leader. Some Kenyans have taken to the streets in different parts of the country to mourn him.
Others, including politicians from opposing parties, have taken to social media to praise Raila as a Pan-Africanist and an enigma, as well as Kenya’s longest-serving opposition leader. His oversight led to several political, constitutional and legal reforms during his time in office.
Also Read: AU Commission pays tribute to Raila Odinga after his passing in India
Also Read: Inside Raila Odinga's Last Moments
What Kenyans are saying
ODM Party: The giant has rested. We mourn. May the Lord be with us.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta: My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction.
To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life. Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved. At some point along that journey, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense.
PLP Party Leader Martha Karua: My condolences message to Mama Ida Odinga and family on the shocking and sad news of the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. I will remember him as a fearless defender of the people, a voice of the voiceless, and a steadfast comrade in the fight for the second liberation. Rest in peace, Kinara Wangu.
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua: Baba Raila Odinga, may you rest well. To the family, your spouse Mama Ida Odinga and your children, my family and I join you in prayer during this difficult moment. My deepest sympathies to you and to the people of the Republic of Kenya.
The enigma Baba, the father of our democracy and a formidable hero of Kenya’s 2nd liberation, you stood tall and strong in intellect, knowledge and quest for democracy. You faced brutal regimes’ brutality, you were tortured, jailed, abducted and detained severally for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers.
Governor Adulswamad Sherrif Nassir: H.E. Raila Odinga's dream of a Kenya where every child, regardless of birthplace or background, could walk tall and proud, must now become our collective mission. May He RIP!
Charity Ngilu: I am shocked and saddened by the sudden and untimely death of former PM Raila Amolo Odinga. We have lost a tower of democracy and a fighter for human rights and good governance. My sincere condolences to Mama Ida and the entire Jaramogi family. Go well, my friend.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata: May Raila Odinga's soul rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and supporters. May his legacy continue to inspire and guide the nation.
Najib Balala: I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga — a true statesman, patriot, and champion for democracy. His unwavering commitment to public service and his visionary leadership shaped Kenya’s political landscape and inspired generations.
During the formative years of the ODM party and the ODM Pentagon, I had the honour of serving alongside him as a founding member. I witnessed firsthand his rare ability to identify and empower young, visionary leaders, and his constant pursuit of a united and prosperous Kenya.
CS Aden Duale: Kenya has lost one of its greatest sons, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga. Raila was a man whose courage, conviction and compassion defined generations. Through storms and triumphs alike, he carried the hope of a people and the vision of a nation yet to be. For me, his passing is deeply personal. Baba played a big role in my 20-year political journey; a father, teacher and mentor who believed in my potential when few did. He personally inducted me as a member of Dujis in 2007, setting me on a path of service that continues to this day.
Nelson Havi: All men die, but some men die with far-reaching consequences, making history. We owe the 2010 Constitution to Raila Odinga. Like Julius Caesar before him, Raila’s death will bring division in his Republic and birth Empires. Baba the enigma will never be succeeded.
Jimi Wanjigi: Raila was a true statesman, a patriot who devoted his life to the pursuit of justice and democracy. His voice and vision shaped our nation’s history, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
As we mourn his loss, we must also celebrate the greatness of his journey, a life lived in service, sacrifice, and steadfast belief in the power of the people. My heartfelt condolences go to Mama Ida, his children, and the entire Odinga family.
Kabando wa Kabando: Fare Thee Well, Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga. May you rest in Eternal Peace.
Johnson Muthama: Indeed, it is a profoundly sad moment for our country and the entire African continent following the passing of our son, patriot, leader, Pan-Africanist, and liberator, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. He will forever be remembered for his immense contribution to Kenya’s growth — from championing constitutional reforms to fostering unity and democracy across our nation. His courage, vision, and unwavering love for the people of Kenya will remain an enduring legacy.
Boni Khalwale: 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 of a political giant, a great man. Fare thee well, Tinga.
@felix_asoha: Raila Odinga’s death is a big blow to the country’s unity, COTU boss Francis Atwoli has said. Atwoli said Raila has always been the glue that held Kenya together during moments of misunderstanding. He said the former PM consistently rose above divisions to unite the country.
@felixnderi41088: RIP Raila Amollo Odinga, Jakom. At the end, you sided with our oppressors, but nobody can take away the fact that you fought for most of the rights we enjoy now.
@ibrahabdi: Absolutely heartbreaking and sad news to hear about the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He was a towering figure in Kenyan politics and a champion for democracy. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all of Kenya.
@Kindi_desmond: Unfortunately, those who will mourn, weep, cry, and wail the loudest are those who prevented the Crowning of Raila Odinga ~ the King of democracy. Rest in peace, Baba.
@Mitchcomedian: It is with deep sorrow I learn of the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga. His legacy of service and dedication to Kenya will forever be remembered. May his family and the people of Kenya find strength and solace during this difficult time. Rest in power, Baba.
@SteveMkiwa: No matter how I try to write, words fall short. Your legacy will endure, but your absence will be profoundly felt. Rest in Peace, Baba Raila Odinga!
@Waswa_SE: RIP to Raila Odinga. Love him or hate him, one thing is for certain: you have to respect him for the fight he had. His influence is unquestionable. Some of the freedoms we enjoy now we owe to him. Aluta Continua.
@SamMwezezo: Deeply saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga is a patriot, democrat, and true pan-Africanist. Kenya has lost a visionary leader; Africa, a champion for peace and development. My heartfelt condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family, and the people of Kenya. May he rest in peace.
