President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kenya following the death of former Prime Minister and veteran opposition leader, Raila Odinga, who passed away in India yesterday at the age of 80.
Odinga reportedly died at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala State, India, after collapsing during a morning walk. The hospital confirmed that he suffered a cardiac arrest and did not respond to resuscitation efforts.
Reacting to the news, President Tinubu described Odinga as a towering figure in African politics whose courage, resilience, and dedication to democracy will remain indelible in the continent’s history.
In a statement issued from the State House, Tinubu said:
“His courage in the face of adversity, his resilience in pursuing electoral reforms, and his unwavering belief in the people’s power will remain sources of inspiration for generations to come. His legacy will endure in the institutions he helped to shape and the democratic ideals he championed.”
The President expressed deep sympathy to Kenyan President William Ruto and the Odinga family, assuring them of Nigeria’s solidarity during what he described as a “painful chapter” in Kenya’s national life.
“We mourn with Kenya in this moment of national grief and stand in solidarity with you, President William Ruto, as you lead your nation through this painful chapter. May the memory of Raila Odinga continue to guide Kenya towards peace, unity, and progress,” Tinubu stated.
Meanwhile, Kenyan President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning and announced that a state funeral will be held in honour of the late opposition leader.
Ruto described Odinga as “Kenya’s foremost statesman and one of Africa’s greatest sons… a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter and a tireless warrior of good governance.”
Tributes have also poured in from around the world. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message on X (formerly Twitter), said he was “deeply saddened by the passing of a towering statesman,” noting Odinga’s lifelong commitment to democratic values.
Odinga, a five-time presidential contender, was widely regarded as a symbol of Kenya’s pro-democracy struggle. Although he never attained the presidency, his political activism played a pivotal role in steering Kenya from single-party rule to a robust multiparty democracy.
Born on January 7, 1945, in Kisumu, Odinga was the son of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Throughout his political career, he remained an influential voice for social justice, electoral reform, and national unity.
President Tinubu concluded his message by reaffirming Nigeria’s respect for Odinga’s enduring legacy, describing him as “a statesman who transcended borders — a true African patriot whose light will never fade.”
