Kenya declares national mourning following the death of Raila Odinga

By The Inspirer.

The Government of Kenya has declared seven days of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

The tragic news broke on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, 2025, after Odinga was pronounced dead at Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Hospital in Ernakulam District, Kerala, India. Reports indicate that he succumbed to a heart attack around 9:00 a.m. local time.

President William S. Ruto extended his condolences to Odinga’s family and to all Kenyans, describing his death as a great loss not only to Kenya but also to the African continent.

“We have lost one of Africa’s greatest leaders — a fearless and tireless champion of democracy and good governance,” said President Ruto.

“Raila Amolo Odinga’s name will forever be etched in our nation’s history as a story of resilience, sacrifice, courage, respect for the rule of law, hope, and the pursuit of excellence.”

President Ruto announced that the country will observe a seven-day mourning period, during which all national flags will be flown at half-mast until Odinga’s burial.

Odinga was reportedly familiar with the Indian hospital, where his daughter Rosemary Odinga had successfully received treatment for an eye condition in 2017 that had temporarily left her blind.

A veteran politician and reformist, Raila Odinga served as Kenya’s prime minister from 2008 to 2013. Over the years, he contested the presidency five times but was unsuccessful in each attempt. He remained one of the most prominent opposition figures in Kenya’s political landscape, often challenging the governments in power and advocating for democratic reforms.