When Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya, passed away on 15 October 2025 in New Delhi, India, the nation felt a sudden, collective pause.
His body touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday, 16 October, triggering a whirlwind of state‑funeral preparations that will see his final resting place arranged within a week, according to the Office of the President.
A Life in Politics: From Activist to Prime Minister
Odinga’s journey began in the turbulent 1970s, when a young lawyer from the Luo community took up the fight against Kenya’s one‑party state. Imprisoned three times in the 1980s under President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, he emerged each time with a sharper resolve.
By January 1992 he was appointed Minister for Energy, a brief stint that gave him a foothold inside the very system he once opposed. The real turning point came after the 2002 elections, when he helped shepherd the Orange Democratic Movement (Orange Democratic Movement) into a formidable opposition force.
Following the contested 2007 poll, Odinga led massive protests that spiraled into the 2007‑2008 crisis, a period of ethnic violence that claimed over 1,000 lives. The National Accord and Reconciliation Act that followed created the Prime Minister post, which he occupied from 13 April 2008 until 9 April 2013, sharing power with President Mwai Kibaki.
Election Battles and the 2022 Run
Five presidential bids defined his career. The first, on 29 December 1997, earned him a modest 10.5% of the vote. Subsequent attempts in 2007, 2013, and 2017 all fell short, but each time he tightened the opposition’s grip on Kenya’s political center.
The 2022 showdown was the most dramatic. Running under the banner of Azimio la Umoja, a coalition of 22 parties, Odinga launched a ten‑point “People’s Programme” at Nyayo National Stadium on 6 June 2022, promising universal health care, youth jobs, and water for all.
- Social protection
- Universal health care
- Job creation for youth
On 9 August, 2022 Kenyan Presidential Election delivered a razor‑thin margin: William Samoei Ruto secured 7,176,141 votes (50.5%), while Odinga gathered 7,152,713 votes (48.85%). The Supreme Court dismissed his challenge on 1 September, cementing Ruto’s victory.
After the loss, Odinga’s coalition partner, former Justice Minister Martha Karua, took over as Leader of the Official Opposition, a role that now carries the weight of Odinga’s political inheritance.
Legacy and Institutional Contributions
Beyond the ballot box, Odinga helped shepherd the 2010 constitutional referendum, which introduced devolved county governments and a bill of rights. Those reforms reshaped Kenya’s governance, giving citizens a stronger voice at the local level.
Internationally, he cultivated relationships with the United States Embassy in Nairobi and the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, positioning Kenya as a key player in East African diplomacy.
His death in October 2025 was announced without a cause, reflecting the family’s desire for privacy during a period of national mourning.
State Funeral Arrangements and National Mourning
The President’s Office declared a seven‑day mourning period, during which flags will fly at half‑mast nationwide. A state funeral is slated for 21 October, with burial expected at his ancestral home in the Rift Valley.
- President William Ruto is expected to deliver the eulogy.
- Former President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta has confirmed his attendance.
- Martha Karua will lead the opposition delegation.
Security forces are preparing crowd‑control measures at the airport and at the funeral venue, anticipating crowds that could swell into the hundreds of thousands.
What Comes Next for Kenya’s Opposition Landscape?
Odinga’s passing leaves a leadership vacuum within both the Orange Democratic Movement and the broader Azimio coalition. Analysts suggest that Karua may step up as the coalition’s figurehead, but internal rivalries could surface.
Young activists, many of whom cite Odinga’s youth‑empowerment promises, are already forming new platforms that could reshape the next election cycle. The 2027 presidential race may see a re‑aligned opposition, possibly coalescing around a fresh face or a coalition of regional leaders.
Whatever the outcome, Odinga’s legacy of championing constitutional reform and inclusive governance will remain a touchstone for Kenyan politics.
Key Facts
- Raila Odinga died on 15 Oct 2025 in New Delhi, aged 80.
- Body arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on 16 Oct 2025.
- Served as Prime Minister from 2008‑2013.
- Ran for president five times; closest margin in 2022 (48.85% vs 50.5%).
- Key role in 2010 constitutional referendum.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Raila Odinga's death affect the Orange Democratic Movement?
The ODM now faces a leadership contest. Martha Karua, who served as Odinga’s running mate, is the frontrunner, but younger figures like Senator James Gachagua are gaining momentum. The party’s future direction will likely hinge on how quickly a consensus emerges.
What are the planned dates for the state funeral?
The body will lie in state at the National Honours Hall from 18 to 20 October. The official state funeral is scheduled for 21 October, with burial expected on 22 October at Odinga’s family homestead in the Rift Valley.
Who are the main political figures expected to attend the burial?
President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, opposition leader Martha Karua, and senior members of the Azimio la Umoja coalition have confirmed their attendance. International guests may include the African Union’s chief representative and a delegation from the United Nations.
What were the main achievements of Odinga's political career?
Beyond his tenure as Prime Minister, Odinga championed the 2010 Constitution, which introduced devolved county governments and a robust bill of rights. He also played a pivotal role in the 2007‑2008 peace Accord that averted further bloodshed and set the stage for Kenya’s power‑sharing experiment.
How did the 2022 election results compare between Odinga and Ruto?
Ruto secured 7,176,141 votes (50.5%), while Odinga narrowly trailed with 7,152,713 votes (48.85%). The margin of 23,428 votes triggered legal challenges that were ultimately rejected by the Supreme Court on 1 September 2022.
