"Widely regarded as one of the country's most influential political figures, Odinga shaped Kenya's modern democracy over a career spanning more than four decades. The Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India, confirmed his death after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk on Wednesday. Odinga ran for president five times without success, including in the disputed 2007 election that triggered widespread ethnic violence, leaving nearly 1,000 people dead."
"In a live address to the nation, Kenya's President William Ruto, declared seven days of national mourning. He paid tribute to Odinga as "the father of our democracy," and a "giant" of Kenyan politics. "Raila Amolo Odinga was a once-in-a-generation leader a man whose ideals rose above politics and whose legacy will continue to shape Kenya's destiny," Ruto said. Despite never attaining the presidency, he was credited with helping dismantle Kenya's one-party rule under Daniel arap Moi in 1992 and championing the progressive 2010 constitution, which ushered in far-reaching political reforms."
Raila Odinga died at age 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in Kerala, India. Odinga led a political career spanning more than four decades and ran for president five times without success. He played a key role in dismantling one-party rule in 1992 and championed the progressive 2010 constitution that brought major political reforms. The 2007 disputed election in which he was a candidate triggered ethnic violence and nearly 1,000 deaths. He recently signed a political deal with President William Ruto amid youth-led protests. The president declared seven days of national mourning and honored Odinga's enduring influence.
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