Nairobi (KAAB TV) – People have gathered in Nairobi, Kisumu and several other counties to mourn the death of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
A somber mood has settled over Kenya’s capital as thousands of mourners gathered today in Nairobi to pay their respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in India.
Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics for more than four decades, died earlier this week at a hospital in New Delhi, where he had been undergoing specialized care.
News of his death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the country and beyond, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, civil society, and ordinary citizens.
In Nairobi’s Uhuru Park, where many of Odinga’s most iconic political rallies were held, crowds dressed in black and national colors stood shoulder to shoulder, holding candles, placards, and portraits of the late leader.
Chants of “Baba! Baba!”—a nickname affectionately used for Odinga—echoed through the crowd, a reminder of the deep connection many Kenyans felt with him.
“We have lost not just a leader, but the voice of the people,” said 42-year-old Grace Otieno, who traveled from Kisumu to attend the gathering. “Raila fought for democracy, for justice, and for the ordinary mwananchi. Kenya will never forget.”
Odinga’s political journey was one marked by resilience and controversy. As the son of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, he inherited a legacy of political activism. He was imprisoned without trial for several years during the one-party era and later emerged as a central figure in the push for multi-party democracy in the 1990s.
Despite never clinching the presidency in his five attempts, Odinga remained a significant political force, serving as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 following a power-sharing agreement after the disputed 2007 elections.
In the crowd, moments of silence were observed, interspersed with prayers, traditional songs, and eulogies from those who knew him or were inspired by his work. Flags were flown at half-mast, and digital billboards across the city displayed images and quotes from Odinga’s speeches.
Many have described his death as the end of an era.
“It’s like losing a father,” said university student Michael Wanjala. “He inspired generations of young people to believe in a better Kenya.”
Government officials have confirmed that a state funeral will be held in the coming days, with President William Ruto expected to lead national mourning efforts. Details regarding Odinga’s final resting place are yet to be officially announced, though family sources indicate that he will likely be buried in his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County.
As the sun set over Nairobi, candlelight continued to flicker across Uhuru Park—a quiet tribute to a man whose voice once filled it with rallying cries for change.
Raila Odinga leaves behind his wife Ida Odinga, four children, and a nation grappling with the legacy of one of its most enduring political icons.