Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga
Leaders around the world have mourned the death of former Kenyan prime minister Raila Odinga, who passed away in India on Wednesday, describing him as a towering figure who dedicated his life to democracy, social justice, and national unity.
In India, where Odinga died while receiving treatment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by the passing of a “dear friend.”
“He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat, and our association continued over the years.
“He had a special affection for India, our culture, values, and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties. He particularly admired Ayurveda and the traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter’s health. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief,” the Indian leader.
The African Union Commission (AUC), through its chairperson,n Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, mourned Odinga, describing him as "one of Africa's most visionary sons" and "a distinguished statesman of the African continent".
"On behalf of the African Union, its organs and institutions, the chairperson extends his deepest condolences to the Odinga family, the government and people of Kenya, and to the entire African family mourning this immense loss."
Former AUC chairperson Moussa Faki described Odinga as a “Pan-African statesman. A fearless leader, Raila Odinga, shaped the political trajectory of his country. A strong advocate for continental integration, he also served the continent as High Representative for Infrastructure Development. My deepest condolences to his family, the people, and the Government of Kenya.”
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu described Odinga as a pan-African giant whose ideals transcended borders.
“Today, Africa mourns the loss of one of its most iconic sons...An unwavering pan-Africanist, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of democracy, justice, and unity. His lifelong struggle for freedom and equality inspired generations across Kenya and beyond, reminding us that leadership is not about power, but about service and sacrifice.”
“Igad stands with the people and Government of Kenya in this moment of profound sorrow. His legacy will forever echo in the democratic foundations he helped build and in the enduring hope he instilled across our continent.”
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described his death as a “profound loss.”
“On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. May he rest in peace,” he said in his message.
Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh also paid his tribute, describing Odinga’s death as a loss not just for Kenya but Africa as a whole.
“Raila Odinga is gone. Kenya has lost a visionary leader. Our condolences to his family and all the Kenyan people,” President Guelleh said.
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema hailed Odinga as a “towering advocate for democracy” whose influence would endure for generations.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of former PM Raila Odinga. We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Kenya, the Odinga family, President William Ruto, and all those touched by this towering advocate for democracy. His legacy will endure. May he rest in eternal peace,” Hichilema said.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said the region has lost “an astute leader, pan-Africanist, a lover of peace and a seeker of solutions whose wisdom and compassion went beyond Kenya to touch the whole of Africa. This is not Kenya’s loss alone, but ours as a continent.”
Somalia’s President Hassan Mohamud said Raila was “a towering statesman whose legacy of democracy, justice, and public service will endure.”
“Somalia stands in solidarity with Kenya in this moment of grief.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued… pic.twitter.com/Nmya9C3LZi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 15, 2025
We have received the news of the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga with great sadness. He stood tall for freedom, liberty, and dignity. In him, we have lost a great statesman - an African giant, who did his best for humanity amidst great adversity. Deepest condolences to the great… pic.twitter.com/LGiKpVQxzc
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) October 15, 2025
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