Tension and emotion filled the air at Raila Odinga’s Karen residence on Wednesday as mourners broke into “Ruto Must Go” chants during President William Ruto’s visit to console the bereaved family. The chants came just moments after the Head of State arrived to pay his respects following the shocking death of the former Prime Minister.
The incident unfolded even as the two leaders had recently put aside years of political rivalry to form a broad-based government under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement had symbolized a new era of cooperation between Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), signaling a potential shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
Raila Odinga, aged 80, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in India’s Kerala state. The ODM leader had traveled to India six days earlier for Ayurvedic treatment in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district, amid widespread speculation about his health. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m. Indian time.
According to hospital reports, Raila’s daughter and close relatives were present at the time of his passing. His death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Kenya and beyond, with tributes pouring in from world leaders.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned Raila as a “towering statesman and cherished friend of India,” while African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf described him as “one of Africa’s most visionary sons.”
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema also paid tribute, hailing Raila as a lifelong advocate for democracy and good governance.
As the nation mourns, Raila’s death marks the end of an era in Kenya’s political history—one defined by resilience, reform, and relentless pursuit of justice.
