‘Africa mourns a giant’: Ramaphosa leads tributes after Raila Odinga’s sudden death in India

Raila Odinga

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow following the death of former Kenyan Prime Minister and opposition leader Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, Ramaphosa extended condolences on behalf of the South African government and people to Kenya and the Odinga family.

“On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kenya on the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga,” Ramaphosa said.

Odinga, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, was widely regarded as a key figure in Kenyan politics and a prominent voice for democracy and reform on the African continent.

According to Indian police, Odinga died on Wednesday morning after collapsing during a walk in Kerala, India. “The death is confirmed,” Krishnan M, additional superintendent of police in Kerala, told AFP.

“The Kenyan national was on a walk with his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor when he suddenly collapsed.”

A spokesperson for the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre confirmed that Odinga experienced breathing difficulties before collapsing. Despite immediate CPR and being rushed to a nearby hospital, doctors were unable to save him.

Born on January 7, 1945, Odinga spent much of his early political life in jail or exile for opposing the autocratic rule of former president Daniel arap Moi. A member of the Luo tribe, he entered parliament in 1992 and ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, often claiming he had been denied victory through electoral manipulation.

President Ramaphosa described Odinga as “a patriotic and selfless leader” and reflected on their personal and professional relationship.

“The nation of Kenya and our continent have lost a patriotic and selfless leader whom I knew and worked with as a friend and brother,” Ramaphosa said.

“Raila Odinga was committed to the development of his own nation as well as the prosperity and the silencing of the guns on our continent, as evidenced by his appointment by the African Union to advance peace in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010.”

Ramaphosa praised Odinga’s steadfastness and integrity throughout his political career.

“He remained unwaveringly true to his principles and vision in the face of deep personal sacrifice and obstacles and remained a leader who placed the interests of his country and continent first,” the president added.

Odinga’s death marks the end of a long and influential political journey that shaped Kenya’s democratic landscape. Tributes from across Africa continue to pour in, honouring his legacy as a freedom fighter, reformist, and statesman.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Additional reporting AFP

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