NAIROBI, Kenya – Messages of condolence continue to pour in from across the globe following the death of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, with world leaders hailing him as a towering statesman and a lifelong champion of democracy.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, describing Odinga as a “dear friend and cherished ally of India.”
“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,” Modi said in a statement posted on X.
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
Modi recalled his long personal association with Odinga dating back to his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, praising the former premier’s admiration for Indian culture and traditional medicine.
“He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter’s health,” Modi added.
From the Horn of Africa, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu described Odinga as an “unwavering Pan-Africanist” whose lifelong struggle for justice and equality inspired generations.
“His legacy will forever echo in the democratic foundations he helped build and in the enduring hope he instilled across our continent,” Dr. Gebeyehu said.
Today, Africa mourns the loss of one of its most iconic sons, H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga.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
Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh called Odinga’s death a loss for Kenya and the continent, while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended condolences to Odinga’s family and the Kenyan people, praying for his peaceful rest.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also paid tribute, describing Odinga as a “towering advocate for democracy” whose legacy would endure.
The European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, lauded Odinga’s lifelong dedication to Kenya’s democratic struggle, calling him “an iconic leader through the decades.”
My most heartfelt condolences to the family of Raila Odinga and to all Kenyans on the passing of former PM Odinga. He dedicated his life to fight for Kenya and has been an iconic leader through the decades. His legacy will live on. May his soul rest in peace.
From Mogadishu, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended sympathy to President William Ruto and Kenyans at large, noting that Odinga’s legacy of “democracy, justice, and public service will endure.”
I extend my heartfelt Condolences to President @WilliamsRuto Ruto & the people of Kenya on the passing of former PM Raila Odinga -a towering statesman whose legacy of democracy, justice & public service will endure. Somalia stands in solidarity with Kenya in this moment of grief.
Odinga, 80, was one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, remembered for his decades-long fight for multi-party democracy and his role in shaping the nation’s post-independence politics. His passing has drawn an outpouring of emotion both at home and abroad, underscoring his stature as one of Africa’s most consequential leaders.
I extend my heartfelt Condolences to President @WilliamsRuto Ruto & the people of Kenya on the passing of former PM Raila Odinga -a towering statesman whose legacy of democracy, justice & public service will endure. Somalia stands in solidarity with Kenya in this moment of grief.
