logo
ADVERTISEMENT

He was a global icon - Barack Obama mourns Raila Odinga

“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,” Obama said.

image
by STAR REPORTER

News18 October 2025 - 07:03
ADVERTISEMENT

In Summary


  • Obama reflected on Odinga’s lifelong struggle for justice and democratic governance, noting that his impact reached far beyond Kenya’s borders.
  • Odinga, who died in India on October 15 at the age of 80, was a central figure in Kenya’s democratic journey,  a man whose political resilience and reformist zeal shaped the country’s governance for over four decades.
Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Former US President Barack Obama and Former first Lady Michelle Obama in a joint picture with former PM Raila Odinga and his spouse Mama Ida. FILE

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has paid a moving tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as a “true champion of democracy” whose courage, sacrifice, and devotion to peace inspired generations across Kenya, Africa, and the world.

In a heartfelt message, Obama reflected on Odinga’s lifelong struggle for justice and democratic governance, noting that his impact reached far beyond Kenya’s borders.

“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.

The former U.S. leader, who shares ancestral roots with Kenya, recounted moments of personal interaction with Odinga, praising his selflessness and commitment to national unity. “Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions,” Obama stated.

Odinga, who died in India on October 15 at the age of 80, was a central figure in Kenya’s democratic journey,  a man whose political resilience and reformist zeal shaped the country’s governance for over four decades.

Obama noted that Odinga’s political life was defined by an extraordinary ability to reconcile without surrendering his convictions. “Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values,” he said.

Odinga, known to millions simply as “Baba,” was widely admired for his unrelenting fight for multiparty democracy during Kenya’s years of one-party rule and for his role in promoting peace after periods of political turmoil. His efforts to bridge divides, Obama said, “set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world.”

The two leaders shared a cordial relationship rooted in mutual respect. Obama met Odinga on several occasions, including during his official visits to Kenya as U.S. President in 2015 and as a Senator earlier.

“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,” Obama added.

The former U.S. President extended condolences on behalf of himself and his wife, Michelle Obama, to Odinga’s family and the Kenyan people.

“Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya,” the statement concluded.

Odinga’s passing has drawn global tributes from world leaders, diplomats, and civil society figures, all hailing him as a fearless reformer, a reconciler, and a statesman who devoted his life to building a freer, fairer Kenya.

As Kenya prepares for a state funeral in his honor, Obama’s message joins a chorus of voices affirming Raila Odinga’s place among Africa’s greatest democratic icons — a man whose legacy of courage, unity, and forgiveness will live on.

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles