In Summary: Raila Odinga’s Passing and His Tech Legacy

• A Sudden Loss: Kenya’s iconic opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has died at the age of 80 after collapsing during a morning walk while on a health visit to Kerala, India.
• A Political Titan: Remembered for his five presidential campaigns and a lifelong fight for democratic reform, Odinga was a central figure in Kenyan politics for decades.
• Champion of AI for Africa: In his later years, Odinga became a vocal advocate for using artificial intelligence and technology as tools to create equal opportunities for African youth.
• An Unfinished Vision: Tributes are pouring in from across Africa, with leaders reflecting not only on his political resilience but on his forward-thinking vision for a tech-empowered continent, leaving many to wonder who will carry the torch forward.

A Sudden Farewell to a Kenyan Icon

Kenya and the African continent are in mourning following the sudden death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The veteran opposition leader passed away at the age of 80 during a trip to Kerala, India, for Ayurvedic treatment. His death, confirmed by multiple sources including The Monitor, marks the end of an era for a nation he helped shape for over half a century.

The news first emerged on Wednesday morning. Krishnan M, an Additional Superintendent of Police in Kerala, confirmed the events. “The death is confirmed. The Kenyan national was on a walk with his sister, daughter and a personal doctor when he suddenly collapsed,” he stated.

A spokesman for the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital, where Odinga was seeking treatment, provided more detail. “This morning at 07:45 am, Mr. Raila was on his morning walks. Suddenly he experienced some breathing difficulties and collapsed. He was provided CPR, on the spot…and having seen some sign of recovery, he was rushed to the nearest modern hospital.” Despite these efforts, doctors were unable to save him, a tragic conclusion also reported by international outlets like Le Monde.

A Lifetime in the Political Arena

Raila Odinga’s political journey was one of remarkable persistence. He was a constant presence in Kenya’s public life, a firebrand activist, a political prisoner, a Prime Minister, and a five-time presidential candidate. His declaration for his final campaign in 2022 captured his enduring spirit: “I Raila Amolo Odinga, having been faithful and committed to building a national, democratic, and progressive Kenya in our lifetime, having worked with many patriotic Kenyans to achieve this goal, I do hereby accept to present myself as a presidential candidate…”

As BBC Africa’s John Namo wrote, “Odinga ran for presidency five times, each time energizing civil society and grassroots movements, but electoral defeat never sidelined his advocacy for reform and justice.” His ability to connect with ordinary Kenyans and his willingness to challenge the status quo made him both a revered and polarizing figure. But beyond the political battles, a new passion defined his later years: technology.

Odinga’s Vision for a Tech-Powered Africa

In a surprising but powerful pivot, Odinga became one of Africa’s most prominent political voices for technological adoption. He saw technology not as a luxury but as a fundamental tool for justice and equality. During a keynote address at Nairobi Tech Week in 2023, he laid out his vision with clarity: “Artificial intelligence can level the playing field for African youth, giving access to the same knowledge and opportunities as their global peers.”

This wasn’t just political rhetoric. He actively pushed for policy changes. Dr. Bitange Ndemo, the ICT Authority Chair, noted in 2024 that, “Raila Odinga has been the most prominent political voice urging inclusion of AI in Kenya’s economic planning and youth development.” Odinga believed that embracing AI was central to transforming Africa’s financial future and empowering its people. He championed the idea that with the right tools, like emerging no-code platforms from companies such as Lovable.dev, any young African could build world-class solutions without needing to write a single line of code.

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More Than a Politician an Enduring Influence

Odinga’s influence wasn’t confined to Kenya’s borders. His commitment to broader African ideals earned him respect across the continent. As the African Union Commission noted in a March 2025 statement, “His commitment to pan-Africanism and socio-economic reforms distinguished Odinga as a continental statesman.”

His political career was marked by both fierce opposition and surprising moments of reconciliation, most notably the “handshake” with his rival, then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, which cooled political temperatures at a critical time. This ability to put the country first cemented a legacy that, as noted by sources like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, made him a key figure in modern African politics.

Tributes for a Father, Fighter, and Visionary

The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes. In a televised address, President William Ruto said, “Kenya has lost a father, a fighter and a visionary who never stopped dreaming of national unity.”

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, his one-time rival and later ally, remarked, “Raila was always ready to put country before self. His handshake policy set a new tone for reconciliation.”

The sentiment was echoed across the continent. AU Commission Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf captured the international view in an official statement: “Raila’s pursuit of justice and innovation made him an example for all Africa.”

Remembering the Man Behind the Headlines

For those who knew him best, the loss is deeply personal. His daughter, Winnie Odinga, shared a heartfelt tribute: “He was a devoted father, mentor and patriot who inspired generations. His hope for Kenya lives on through our commitment to his ideals.”

Senior Counsel James Orengo, a close confidant and lawyer, spoke of his friend’s unique connection with the people. “Raila’s leadership reached beyond politics; his belief in the ordinary Kenyan’s power changed our history.”

What Happens to the Dream of a Digital Kenya?

With Odinga’s passing, a crucial question arises: who will carry his tech-forward vision? Economist Kwame Owino of the Institute of Economic Affairs Kenya believes the foundation is there. “Odinga’s tech-forward legacy lays the groundwork for new policies—if the next generation is ready to build on his vision.”

That next generation seems ready to answer the call. As Kenyan youth leader Mercy Muthoni told The Nation, “Raila gave us the confidence to dream scientifically. We’ll honour his memory with action and progress.” This could mean more young Kenyans using their skills on global platforms like Fiverr or building businesses that leverage technology to solve local problems. It means embracing tools from Google’s AI-enabled devices to power innovation in everything from farming to finance.

Odinga’s dream was never just about technology for its own sake. It was about using it to uplift a continent. He saw a future where a young programmer in rural Kenya had the same opportunities as one in Silicon Valley, where satellite internet from providers like Starlink could bridge the digital divide, and where AI could make governance more transparent and effective. The work is far from over, but the torch has been lit.