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Kenya
FNF mourns the death of Raila Odinga

2.9 Minutes
Judie Kaberia
  Judie Kaberia
Masechaba Mdaka
  Masechaba Mdaka
Raila Odinga

 

The late leader of Opposition in Kenya Raila Odinga smiling at one of his political rallies

 

 

© Shutterstock

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) sends its heartfelt condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and the people of Kenya following his passing. Raila Odinga passed away at the age of 80 in India.

Raila Odinga will be remembered as one of Kenya’s foremost champions of freedom, democracy, and good governance. Throughout his life, Odinga demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience, and determination in the pursuit of justice and the expansion of political freedoms. His sacrifices, including years of imprisonment and political persecution, inspired generations of Kenyans to believe in the ideals of pluralism—cementing a strong foundation for multi-party democracy.

    FNF and Raila

    Kenya's former Prime Minister and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, Raila Amolo Odinga meets with FNF Kenya team together with other FNF partners.

    © Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
    Raila

    Former Prime Minister of Kenya and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila Amolo Odinga speaking at Africa Liberal Network General Assembly.

    © Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
    Odinga

    Raila Odinga meets with then FNF Kenya director, Stefan Schott.

    © Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

As a political partner of FNF, ODM has long shared our commitment to advancing liberal democratic values. We join the party and the nation in mourning the loss of a leader whose vision and conviction helped shape Kenya’s democratic path. During his years as the party leader of the ODM, he also steered the party towards deeper liberal connections through fora such as the Africa Liberal Network and Liberal International. These platforms establish and strengthen links between political parties in Africa and around the world that subscribe to liberal democratic principles, which have been instrumental in building liberal African solidarity and practice. Under Raila Odinga’s leadership, the ODM has established an exemplary legacy in East Africa by fostering and advancing liberal democratic values and partnerships within its broader network.

Raila Odinga’s legacy is deeply woven into Kenya’s democratic fabric. He stood for the people’s right to choose, to speak, and to live in freedom. His life’s work remains a beacon of hope—a reminder that democracy, though often challenged, is worth every struggle.

FNF stands in solidarity with Kenyans at this difficult time. May the ideals he fought for continue to grow, and may the seeds of democracy he planted flourish for generations to come.