When news broke of Raila Amolo Odinga’s passing, tributes poured in from across Africa — but none carried the weight of shared history like that of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, President Museveni mourned the former Kenyan Prime Minister as a “freedom fighter” and “true Pan-Africanist” whose lifelong commitment to unity and justice had shaped the destiny of a continent.
“It is with a lot of sadness that I, today, the 15th of October, 2025, received the news of the death of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” Museveni wrote. “Rt. Hon. Odinga has not been just a career politician. He has been a freedom fighter, in the tradition of his late father, Jaramogi Odinga, the 1st Vice-President of Kenya.”
Museveni reflected on their shared ideological bond rooted in Pan-Africanism and regional integration. “Ideologically speaking, they have been with the patriotic and Pan-Africanist orientation. I have shared ideas with both of them. Their sentiments have been for the unity of Kenya, East Africa and Africa, including always supporting the struggles for the realization of our dream for the East African Federation,” he said.
The Ugandan leader described Odinga’s death as “unfortunate,” coming at a time when Africa still needs the guidance of liberation-era leaders. “It is important for the young people to fill the void left by such historical fighters for Africa’s future,” Museveni urged, extending his condolences to President William Ruto, the people of Kenya, and Odinga’s family.
Odinga, who died in India at the age of 80, was a central figure in Kenya’s political transformation. From his early activism against one-party rule to his tireless push for constitutional reforms, he spent more than five decades in public life, often at great personal cost.
Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto announced Odinga’s death through a solemn Presidential Proclamation at State House, Nairobi, describing him as “a titan of conscience, a visionary of uncommon resolve, and a defender of the defenceless whose legacy will illuminate Kenya’s democratic path for all time.”
President Ruto declared seven days of national mourning, with the Kenyan flag to fly at half-mast across the country and in diplomatic missions abroad. He also directed that Odinga be accorded a State Funeral with full military honours, recognizing his contribution to democracy and public service.
Born on January 7, 1945, Raila Odinga’s life was defined by struggle, sacrifice, and resilience. Detained without trial for his role in pro-democracy movements, he later emerged as a champion of multiparty politics, helping shepherd Kenya into a new constitutional era.
Beyond politics, Odinga was remembered as a family man deeply devoted to his wife, Mama Ida Odinga, and their children. A football enthusiast and lover of African culture, he embodied both strength and humility — qualities that earned him admiration across generations.
In a statement, the African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, described Odinga as “a steadfast champion of democracy, good governance and people-centered development.” He noted that Odinga’s work as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development laid foundations for continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Africa has lost one of its most visionary sons; a leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, democracy and unity,” Youssouf said.
Buganda Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Katikkiro Peter Mayiga, also paid tribute, recalling the historical friendship between the Odinga family and the Buganda Royal Family. “We extend condolences to members of his family, friends, Kenyans and all East Africans,” he said.
Gideon Moi, Chairman of KANU and son of former President Daniel arap Moi, described Odinga as “the most consequential political figure of our time,” whose courage and selflessness reshaped Kenya’s political and social fabric.
From Nairobi to Kampala, Addis Ababa to Lagos, leaders hailed Odinga as a unifying symbol of African resilience — a man whose pursuit of freedom, equality, and unity transcended borders.
As President Museveni poignantly noted, Raila Odinga’s passing leaves a void not just in Kenya, but across Africa — a reminder that the dream of continental unity must now be carried forward by a new generation.
