Wednesday, October 15, 2025, will go down as a significant day in Kenya’s political history after veteran opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga breathed his last, aged 80, while he was away in India for treatment.

Hailed as a towering political figure whose influence has shaped Kenya’s democracy for over three decades, his demise elicited an outpouring of condolences from the Kenyans and leaders across the world, many hailing his decades-long involvement in politics, spanning detention, coalition building, and constitutional reforms that placed him at the centre of Kenya’s political landscape for over four decades.

The Former Prime Ministers supporters across the country took to the streets, while others headed to his homes in Karen and Bondo to condole with the family.

Scores of his supporters, many on foot could be seen making their way the residence. Clutching twigs and leaves—symbols of mourning in Kenyan tradition—they sang dirges and wept openly, blowing vuvuzelas, their anguish echoing through the quiet Nairobi suburb.

As media interviewed his supporters - several expressed shock and disbelief- wailing uncontrollably.

In a video that has since gone viral, one of the supporter's suggested that the country should change its name to Raila Odinga.

The supporter, noted thar throughout his life, Raila championed constitutional reforms, multiparty democracy, and social justice, leaving an indelible mark on Kenya, suggesting that a change of the country's name befits the former prime minister’s status.

Meanwhile, even as the sombre mood precedes the passing of Raila, the political class has been united in underscoring the need to celebrate the leader’s rich legacy and quest to unite Kenyans.

President William Ruto led the Nation in celebrating Raila’s legacy.

“Fellow citizens, it is with deep sorrow that I inform the nation of the passing of Rt Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, our former Prime Minister and Kenya’s foremost statesman and one of Africa’s greatest sons. Kenya, Africa, and the world mourn the passing of giants of democracy and tireless warriors of good governance,” he said.

Ruto stated that Raila’s legacy in Kenya will forever remain etched in the history of the nation for his decade-long pursuit of justice and equity.

“Raila’s name will be forever etched in the story of our republic. A story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope, and our pursuit of excellence,” he added.

He implored the country to unite in the face of the trying time of bereavement.

“As we mourn, I call on all Kenyans to reflect on his towering legacy and lessons impacted by Raila’s work, ideas and examples. In a political career spanning decades, Raila offered a compelling model of putting country before his personal interest,” he concluded.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta echoed the remarks, describing the former prime minister as a uniting factor in the country, urging the citizenry to uphold his legacy of national unity.

ODM Secretary-General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, extended condolences to Raila’s family, friends, party members, and millions of Kenyans and supporters across the world who looked up to him as a symbol of hope and resilience.

He described Raila as a towering political figure whose influence has shaped Kenya’s democracy for over three decades.

According to Sifuna, it was under Raila’s leadership that democratic ideals were nurtured and political careers grew.

He hailed the former prime minister as a true giant of the nation and a darling in the hearts of Kenyans for his unwavering fight for justice, equality, and freedom for all.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and former presidential candidate Jimmy Wanjigi reinforced the unity plea.

“Today, Kenya has lost one of her greatest sons, the Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. His passing is not just a national tragedy but a deeply personal loss to millions who believed in his vision of a just, united, and prosperous nation… As we mourn his passing, we must honour his legacy by safeguarding the values he lived for: unity, justice, and inclusion. Let this moment remind us that Kenya is strongest when her people stand together,” Natembeya implored.

Wanjigi, who referred to Raila as a dear friend and brother, urged Kenyans to celebrate Raila’s belief in the power of the people.

“I am deeply heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend and brother, Rt Hon. Raila Odinga. We shared countless moments of courage, conviction, and unyielding hope for a better Kenya, moments that defined not just our friendship but an era of struggle for freedom and justice. Raila was more than a leader; he was the spirit of our nation’s second liberation, a man whose love for Kenya burned brighter than fear."

“As we mourn his loss, we must also celebrate the greatness of his journey, a life lived in service, sacrifice, and steadfast belief in the power of the people. My heartfelt condolences go to Mama Ida, his children, and the entire Odinga family.” He said.

COTU Boss Francis Atwoli also lamented the timing of Raila’s death, lamenting the loss of the politician he said has been the glue holding the country together.

“The passing of Raila Odinga at a time when Kenya was yearning for unity is a big blow to our country. Raila has always been the glue that held our country together during moments of political misunderstanding. Raila consistently rose above divisions to unite us as Kenyans. He is a man who Kenyans will remember for now and years to come,” he observed.

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, while reacting to news of his death, recounted his conversation with Raila and the instruction he got from his party leader a day before he was to breathe his last.

“Yesterday afternoon, you called me for 7 mins. You gave me a lot of instructions that I am still trying to make sense of. You told me to go on Ramogi TV and tell Onagi (Luo Nation) to speak in one voice and remain united. You told me you would make it back at the weekend and I should come to receive you. I did not know it was a goodbye… I AM LOST. LOST AND LOST.

On his part, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) communications director Philip Etale took to his X page to express his profound loss with a concise statement.

Willis Otieno equally extolled Raila’s impact in Kenyan politics. Otieno referred to him as the most consequential politician in the last 30 years.

“Raila Amolo Odinga was, without doubt, the most consequential politician in Kenya over the last three decades. Today, a political giant rests. His voice may fall silent, but his imprint is etched permanently into the architecture of our nation’s democracy,” he stated.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi paid an emotional tribute to the former Prime Minister, describing him as a towering statesman whose life and legacy will forever shape Kenya’s democracy.

“Today, our nation mourns the passing of a towering statesman, a gallant fighter for democracy, and a son of Kenya whose life was defined by courage, conviction, and an unyielding love for his country.”

Mudavadi noted that throughout their political lives, whether in government or opposition, Raila remained a steadfast believer in the power of the people and in the promise of a united nation. “Through it all, his resilience, political acumen, and unwavering belief in the power of the people remained constant,” he said.

Describing Raila as the pre-eminent statesman of Kenya, Mudavadi said the former Prime Minister repeatedly put the country above his own political ambitions. “Raila was the pre-eminent statesman of Kenya, who sacrificed personal ambition for the nation, not once, not twice, but time and again. Whenever the soul of our nation stood on the brink of disintegration, he recalibrated his political path to safeguard its unity,” he added.

He hailed Raila’s role in shaping Kenya’s democratic space, saying his voice echoed hope to millions and his name will forever be synonymous with democracy, social justice, and human rights.

As the curtain falls, opinions may vary but one thing is clear- Raila Amollo Odinga - son of Jaramogi - leaves an indelible mark on Kenya’s and Africa's democracy.