Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, has died at the age of 80 after suffering a heart attack during a morning walk.
Imprisoned and tortured in his fight for multi-party democracy, he was a key architect of significant political, social and security reforms in the country.
Mr Odinga served as Kenya‘s second prime minister and made five unsuccessful bids for the presidency.
He was first jailed by former president Daniel arap Moi in 1982 following a coup attempt and endured several years in jail, much of it spent in solitary confinement.
Mr Odinga was elected as an MP in 1992, a position he held for 20 years. He served as a minister in various cabinets.
He was a key figure in leading protests after the disputed 2007 election, resulting in the worst post-election violence the country had experienced since independence. More than 1,000 people died and thousands were displaced.
Announcing his death, Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto said: “Kenya, Africa, and the world mourn the passing of a giant of democracy, a fearless freedom fighter, and tireless warrior of good governance.”
“Raila Amolo Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the story of our republic: A story of struggle, sacrifice, courage, rule of law, hope and our pursuit for excellence.”
Mr Odinga and Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta were often bitter political rivals, and their 2018 “handshake” was a political truce called amid rising civil and political unrest.
“That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in the pursuit of ‘handshake’ unity taught me the true measure of the man. I saw first-hand his unwavering passion for this country, his deep-seated belief in justice,” said Mr Kenyatta.
‘A towering statesman’
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the African Union chair and Mr Odinga’s rival in this year’s elections for the position, remarked: “He inspired generations of leaders, including myself, as well as citizens, through his courage, resilience and steadfast belief in the power of dialogue and democratic institutions.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the many leaders who paid tribute to Mr Odinga, describing him as “a towering statesman and a valued friend of India”.
The British High Commission in Nairobi, represented by Dr Ed Barnett, conveyed its condolences on behalf of the British government, stating: “His legacy as a statesman, reformer and champion of democracy will resonate throughout Kenya and beyond.”
Supporters mourn national hero
Baba, as he was fondly known, was a father figure to his loyal supporters. They filled the streets of Kisumu and parts of Nairobi on Wednesday to mourn the national hero.
Mr Odinga was married to Ida Odinga, a businesswoman and an advocate for education. They raised four children, who, together with his grandchildren, will remain an integral part of his enduring legacy.
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