South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the late Raila Odinga as a “patriotic and selfless leader,” joining a chorus of tributes from across the continent following the death of Kenya’s former Prime Minister.
In a statement released Wednesday, Ramaphosa said, “The nation of Kenya and our continent have lost a patriotic and selfless leader whom I knew and worked with as a friend and brother.” He praised Odinga’s lifelong commitment to peace and development, citing his 2010 appointment by the African Union to mediate in Côte d’Ivoire as evidence of his Pan-African vision.
“Raila remained unwaveringly true to his principles and vision in the face of deep personal sacrifice and obstacles,” Ramaphosa added. “He placed the interests of his country and continent first.”
Odinga, 80, died on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack during a morning walk in Kerala, India, where he had travelled for medical treatment. His death has plunged Kenya into mourning, with President William Ruto declaring a seven-day national mourning period and announcing a state funeral scheduled for SundayCitizen Digital.
A towering figure in Kenyan politics, Odinga served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and ran for president five times. Though he never ascended to the presidency, he was widely regarded as a champion of democracy, human rights, and constitutional reform. His activism helped usher in multiparty democracy in 1991 and the landmark 2010 Constitution.
Tributes have poured in from across Africa and beyond. President Ruto described Odinga as “a colossus of Kenya’s modern politics,” while former President Uhuru Kenyatta called him “a brother” and “a liberator.” In Kisumu, Odinga’s political stronghold, thousands of mourners gathered in the streets, waving flags and chanting his name.
Odinga’s body is expected to arrive in Nairobi on Thursday, followed by a four-day state funeral programme that includes public viewings in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Bondo, his hometown
President Ramaphosa’s thoughts and prayers are with the Odinga family and friends and associates of the late former Prime Minister, including the Orange Democratic Movement.
Odinga, who led Kenya from 2008 to 2013, has passed away at the age of 80 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.
JN/APA