Former U.S. President Barack Obama has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Raila Amolo Odinga, calling him “a true champion of democracy” and “a statesman who always put Kenya first.”
In a statement released on Saturday, Obama described Raila as a leader whose life was defined by courage, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of justice and freedom.
“Raila Odinga was a true champion of democracy. A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya,” Obama said.
“Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions.”
Obama, whose father hailed from Siaya County—the same region as the Odinga family—said Raila’s legacy extended far beyond politics. He lauded the former Prime Minister’s rare ability to embrace reconciliation even after years of political turbulence.
“Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values,” Obama noted.
“Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but for Africa and the world. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya.”
Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15, at the age of 80, after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic treatment facility in Kerala, India. Despite efforts to revive him, doctors at a private hospital in Koothattukulam pronounced him dead at 7:22 a.m.
His death sent shockwaves across Kenya and beyond, triggering an outpouring of grief and tributes from global leaders.
Uhuru: “A Silence Where Once There Was a Voice of Thunder”
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned Raila as a “towering statesman” and “a personal friend,” saying the news of his death left him deeply shaken.
“My heart is heavy, and my spirit burdened with grief. 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,” Uhuru said.
He reflected on their years of political rivalry and eventual reconciliation, noting that their partnership after the 2018 Handshake reshaped Kenya’s political trajectory.
“To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey in public service and in life,” Uhuru added.
World Leaders Join in Mourning
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, describing Raila as “a cherished friend of India” and “a man who believed deeply in the power of people and tradition.”
“He particularly admired Ayurveda and the traditional medicine systems of India,” Modi recalled. “Our friendship spanned decades, and I will forever cherish his warmth and wisdom.”
Final Journey of a Statesman
Raila’s body landed in Kisumu this morning under tight military escort with thousands lining the roads to pay their last respects. The body will be taken to Mamboleo for public viewing before it is escorted by road to Opoda Farm in Bondo where the doyen of Kenya’s opposition politics will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, beside his late parents Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Ajuma Odinga.
The Kenyan government has accorded him full state funeral honors, marking the end of an era for one of Africa’s most influential opposition figures and democracy icons.
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