PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION

With respect to the death of RT. HON. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA, E.G.H.

SOLEMNLY ISSUED AT STATE HOUSE, NAIROBI, on the fifteenth day of October, 2025

To the People of the Republic of Kenya;

IT IS WITH profound sorrow and the deepest sense of loss that I discharge my solemn duty to notify Kenya, Africa, and the World of the passing of The Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, EGH, the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya.

THE RT. HON. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA passed away this morning in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.

BORN ON 7th January 1945, Raila Odinga dedicated his entire adult life to the service of our nation. The father of our democracy, a tireless champion for social justice, a renowned Pan-Africanist, and a statesman without equal, Hon. Raila Odinga, played a defining role in shaping Kenya’s modern political history.

Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga Biography

Rt. Hon Raila Amolo Odinga was born on January 7, 1945 in Maseno, in what was then the colony and Protectorate of Kenya. He was the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice-President after independence, and Mary Juma Odinga (also called Mary Ajuma). He grew up in a political and intellectually active household. His father was a prominent figure in Kenya’s early post-colonial politics, which exposed Raila to ideas about governance, rights and dissent from an early age.

Education and Early Career

Hon Raila began his schooling at Kisumu Union Primary School, then attended Maranda Primary and later Maranda High School in Bondo, Siaya County.

Around 1962, he left for East Germany to further his studies. He joined the Herder Institute (part of the Philological Faculty, Leipzig) to study German, before undertaking Technical Studies in Magdeburg. In 1970, he obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering (Diploma, equivalent to a Masters-level degree) from the Technical University/Institute in Magdeburg.

After returning to Kenya, he taught at the University of Nairobi’s Mechanical Engineering Department until 1974. Later, he joined the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and rose to become Deputy Director in 1978.

Tributes

Hellen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand Deeply saddened by news of death of veteran Kenyan politician Raila Odinga. Raila campaigned for democracy in Kenya when it was under 1-party rule, & was detained without trial for years. His voice will be missed. Deepest sympathy to his family & country.

It is with a lot of sadness that I, today, the 15th of October, 2025, received the news of the death of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Prime Minister of Kenya. Rt. Hon Odinga has not been just a career politician. He has been a freedom fighter, in the tradition of his late father, Jaramogi Odinga, the 1st Vice-President of Kenya. Ideologically speaking, they have been with the patriotic and Pan-Africanist orientation. I have shared ideas with both of them. Their sentiments have been for the unity of Kenya, East Africa and Africa, including always supporting the struggles for the realization of our dream for the East African Federation. It is, therefore, unfortunate that he has left at this moment. It is important for the young People to fill the void left by such historical fighters for Africa's future. I extend condolences to HE Ruto, the People of Kenya and for Raila's family. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Yoweri K. Museveni President and Chairman of the NRM.

H.E. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, C.G.H

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM H.E. UHURU KENYATTA FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER HON. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA.

My heart is heavy, and my spirit is burdened with a grief that is both profound and deeply personal. The news of Raila’s passing has left a silence that echoes across our nation, a silence where once there was a voice of thunder and conviction.

To me, Raila was more than a political colleague; he was a defining part of my own journey, in public service and in life. Raila and I were navigators on opposing currents, charting different courses for the nation we both loved. At some point along that journey, we became political opponents and often, the weight of that competition felt immense.

Baba, as we fondly referred to him, was a man who made you sharpen your own ideas, compelling you to defend your positions with rigor and passion. However, in the recent years, a different bond was forged; one of respect, of shared patriotism, and a common desire to see a united Kenya.

That journey from fierce political opponents to partners in the pursuit of “Handshake” unity taught me the true measure of the man. I saw firsthand his unwavering passion for this country, his deep-seated belief in justice, and his incredible capacity to think beyond personal ambition for the sake of national peace. He was a formidable opponent, but he was an even more invaluable ally in the cause of reconciliation.

I have lost a friend and a brother. I will miss our conversations sometimes challenging, always insightful and the fire of belief that never left his eyes.

To Mama Ida, the children, and the entire Odinga family, I extend my deepest, most heartfelt condolences. You have shared Baba with Kenya for a lifetime, and we mourn with you. We have lost a father to the nation, a steadfast champion for the people, and a true son of Kenya.

His legacy is not just in the political battles he fought, but in the peace he helped build. It is etched in the very fabric of our nation. Rest in peace, my friend. Your work here is done, but your echo will never fade.

H.E. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, C.G.H 4th President of the Republic of Kenya 15th October, 2025.

Jamia Mosque Committee

The Jamia Mosque Committee joins the nation in mourning the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, a veteran politician and an almost permanent feature in Kenya’s democratic process.

Raila Odinga was a steadfast champion of democracy, justice, and equality, whose lifelong dedication to public service left an enduring mark on Kenya’s political landscape. He was a champion of the marginalized and minority communities, consistently advocating for fairness, inclusion, and reforms that strengthened Kenya’s governance and unity. His courage, conviction, and vision helped shape the country’s democratic journey and inspired generations to believe in a better, more just Kenya.

As the Muslim community, we particularly remember Raila Odinga’s significant role in the struggle for the establishment and entrenchment of the Kadhis' Courts in Kenya’s Constitution, a reflection of his respect for Kenya’s religious diversity and commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Odinga family, friends, and all Kenyans who share in this profound loss.

May the Almighty Allah grant his family comfort and strength during this difficult time, and may Raila Amolo Odinga’s legacy of courage, reform, and inclusivity continue to inspire our nation for generations to come.

PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION

Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga Biography

Education and Early Career

Some Famous Quotes

Tributes