Wiper Party leader and Kenya’s tenth Vice President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has joined the nation in mourning the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as the “Champion of Kenya’s Second Political Liberation.”
Odinga, 80, died in India after suffering a heart attack while receiving treatment at the Koothattukulam Sreedhareeyam Ayurveda Hospital in Ernakulam. Medical officials said he collapsed during a morning walk and was pronounced dead at Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam. His body has since been preserved at the facility as the family prepares an official statement.
In a heartfelt message, Kalonzo said he received the devastating news of Odinga’s death shortly after arriving at Heathrow Airport for a planned 10-day visit to the United Kingdom. The trip was meant to strengthen international partnerships and engage Kenyans living abroad.
“I have received the devastating news of the death of my dear brother, the Second Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, this morning upon my arrival at Heathrow International Airport,” Kalonzo said. “I am therefore rearranging my schedule of engagements in the United Kingdom in honour of my fallen brother.”
Kalonzo described Odinga, fondly known as “Baba,” as a political enigma whose resilience, courage, and selflessness shaped Kenya’s modern democracy.
“Baba was more than an enigma. He was a force of nature who kept going despite the hurdles before him. He was the longest-suffering political detainee in Kenya whose body bore the scars of the struggle for multiparty democracy,” Kalonzo said.
He praised Odinga’s determination during Kenya’s fight for political freedom, recalling how he would always emerge from detention with renewed resolve.
“At each point of release from the torture chambers, he would raise his arms to the heavens, fist clenched in determination that his tears and scars would yield to democracy and freedom for Kenya. That is why we call him the Champion of the Second Liberation,” he added.
Kalonzo reflected on their years of political partnership, including serving as Odinga’s running mate in the 2013 and 2017 general elections and later as partners in the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition.
“My brother Raila played an instrumental role in devolving power from an imperial presidency to a people-centred constitutional order. For that, we owe him immense gratitude,” Kalonzo stated.
He extended his condolences to Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family. “To Mama Ida, Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie — my family and I stand in solidarity with you. I know all Kenyans are praying for you,” he said.
Kalonzo described Odinga as “the President who won but was never declared or sworn into office,” adding that his passing was not only a national loss but also a blow to the African continent.
Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also paid tribute to Odinga, calling him “the father of Kenya’s democracy” and “a formidable hero of the country’s second liberation.”
In his message of condolence, Gachagua said Odinga’s courage and sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“You faced the brutality of regimes — tortured, jailed, abducted, and detained for Kenya. When the history of Africa’s Pan-Africanism is written, your chapter as the indefatigable lion of Africa will attract many readers,” Gachagua said.
He also praised Raila’s lifelong dedication to public service, noting his contribution as a lecturer, minister, party leader, and Prime Minister.
“Much as we have never been on the same political side, I have had a strong admiration for Raila Odinga’s ability to form and sustain a strong political movement that survived four general elections. You are a hero celebrated at home and away,” he said.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta paid a heartfelt tribute to Raila, describing him as a defining figure in his political journey and a true patriot who dedicated his life to Kenya’s unity and progress.
“My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction,” Uhuru said.
The former President said that although they had once been fierce political rivals, Raila became a vital partner in building national unity through the 2018 Handshake.
“That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in the pursuit of ‘Handshake’ unity taught me the true measure of the man. I saw firsthand his unwavering passion for this country, his deep-seated belief in justice, and his incredible capacity to think beyond personal ambition for the sake of national peace,” he said.
Uhuru described Raila as a man of conviction whose ideas inspired others to think critically.
“Baba, as we fondly referred to him, was a man who made you sharpen your own ideas, compelling you to defend your positions with rigor and passion. I have lost a friend and a brother,” Uhuru said.
He extended his condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and the family, saying, “You have shared Baba with Kenya for a lifetime, and we mourn with you. We have lost a father to the nation, a steadfast champion for the people, and a true son of Kenya.”
KANU Party leader Gideon Moi also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister, calling him “the most consequential political figure of modern Kenya.”
“What will forever define Hon. Odinga’s legacy was his untiring selflessness. He consistently placed the nation above self and all else. He made decisions not because they were popular or convenient, but because they were right,” Moi said.
He added that Raila’s firm belief in constitutionalism and the rule of law guided his decades-long political career.
Raila Odinga, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government, ran for the presidency five times — in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 — and remained one of Kenya’s most influential and respected leaders until his death.
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