Former U.S. President Barack Obama has paid an emotional tribute to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, calling him a true champion of democracy and a symbol of resilience and reconciliation in African politics.
In a statement on Saturday, Obama praised Odinga’s lifelong struggle for freedom, justice, and good governance. He said he had personally witnessed Odinga’s unwavering dedication to Kenya and his ability to put the nation’s peace and unity ahead of personal ambition.
“Raila Odinga was a true champion of democracy. A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya,” Obama said.
“Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values.”
Obama’s tribute has gone viral across social media, striking a deep emotional chord with Kenyans and people across Africa. His words carried not just the weight of a former U.S. president but also of a man whose Kenyan roots connect him personally to Odinga’s story.
Odinga, 80, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, in Kerala, India, where he was undergoing treatment. Reports indicate he suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk.
His death triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with thousands flooding the streets of Nairobi and Kisumu in spontaneous displays of mourning.
Obama, whose father was Kenyan, said Odinga’s influence stretched far beyond Kenya’s borders.
“Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world. I know he will be missed,” he said.
“Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya.”
Scenes of mourning have gripped the nation since Odinga’s body arrived in Nairobi on Thursday. Mourners lined up for hours to view his body at Parliament Buildings, while others climbed over security barriers to catch a glimpse.
Several countries, including South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, and Nigeria, have sent messages of sympathy, describing him as a statesman whose courage shaped modern African politics.
Odinga’s burial is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, in a State funeral that is expected to draw thousands, including global dignitaries.
His death marks the end of an era for Kenya’s pro-democracy movement, closing the chapter on a leader who spent decades fighting for justice, inclusivity, and national unity.
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