Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80 during a health visit to India, local police said Wednesday, October 15, a political earthquake that could transform politics in the East African nation.

Odinga was the perennial opposition figure of Kenyan politics, running unsuccessfully for the presidency on five occasions, most recently in 2022. He remained a dominant force, able to rally huge numbers, particularly from his native western Kenya.

Indian police told Agence France-Presse (AFP) he was walking with his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor “when he suddenly collapsed.” “An Indian police security officer and a Kenyan security officer were also with them at the time. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, but was declared dead,” the police source said.

Odinga’s death was also confirmed to AFP by a member of his political team, but they requested anonymity while awaiting an official announcement from the party.

Anti-establishment firebrand

Born on January 7, 1945, Odinga spent his early years in politics either in jail or in exile, fighting for democracy during the autocratic rule of 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, claiming to have been cheated of victory in the last four elections.

He cast himself as an anti-establishment firebrand despite belonging to one of Kenya’s top political dynasties – his father serving as the country’s first vice president after independence in 1963.

His death leaves a leadership vacuum within the opposition and it is far from clear if anyone will have the same ability to mobilize opposition forces as the country heads into a potentially volatile campaign period ahead of elections in 2027.

Kenya’s former chief justice, and current presidential candidate, David Maraga said he was “shocked” by news of the death. Odinga was “a patriot, a pan-Africanist, a democrat and a leader who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and in Africa,” Maraga wrote on X.

“Kenya has lost one of its most formidable leaders who shaped the trajectory of our beloved country. Africa has lost a leading voice in pushing for peace, security and development. The world has lost a great leader,” he added.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was among the first to react, posting on X: “On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. May he Rest In Peace.”

A spokesman for the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Kerala, India also confirmed the death. “He experienced some breathing difficulties and collapsed. He was provided CPR, on the spot and having seen some sign of recovery, he was rushed to the nearest modern hospital. Despite repeated efforts by the medics, his condition deteriorated and the doctors were unable to save him,” the spokesman said.