“It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the passing of Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga,” the official said. “He was receiving treatment when he suffered a cardiac arrest.”

The Kenyan government and Odinga’s family are expected to release official statements shortly.

A Giant of Kenyan Politics

Raila Odinga was one of Kenya’s most influential and polarizing political figures, having served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 following a landmark power-sharing agreement that ended post-election violence.

Often referred to as the “father of Kenya’s modern opposition,” Odinga was a five-time presidential candidate, most recently in the 2022 elections, where he narrowly lost to current President William Ruto. He was widely respected for his role in pushing for democratic reforms, constitutional change, and social justice throughout his decades-long political career.

Odinga was also the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President, and carried on his family’s political legacy with a charismatic and populist style that won him millions of loyal supporters across the country.

Outpouring of Grief and Condolences

News of Odinga’s death triggered an immediate outpouring of grief across Kenya and beyond. Political leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens have taken to social media and local news platforms to mourn his passing.

“Kenya has lost a statesman,” one MP tweeted. “Raila Odinga’s name will forever be etched in the history of our nation.”

International condolences are expected from heads of state, particularly within the African Union, where Odinga also served as a special envoy for infrastructure development.

Funeral Arrangements and National Mourning

Kenyan authorities are expected to coordinate the repatriation of his body from India. President William Ruto may declare a national mourning period, including flags flown at half-mast and a state funeral, given Odinga’s stature.

In Memory: Raila Amollo Odinga (1945–2025)

The Democratic Republic of Congo has firmly rejected Kenya’s appointment of a Consul-General to Goma, accusing Nairobi of breaching diplomatic protocol and undermining Congolese sovereignty amid ongoing conflict in the eastern region.

Kenya’s designation of Judy Kiara as Consul-General to Goma announced Friday has sparked outrage in Kinshasa, which claims the move was made without prior consultation or notification, a requirement under international diplomatic norms.

In an official statement, the Congolese Foreign Ministry said the appointment “violates established international procedures and risks being interpreted as legitimizing the occupation of Goma by M23 rebels.”

“This is not just a breach of protocol it is a political misstep,” said a senior Congolese official. “Goma is not a stable diplomatic zone. It is under the control of a rebel movement our government is actively fighting.”

Background

Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, fell under rebel control earlier this year after intense clashes between the Congolese armed forces and the M23 rebel group, which Kinshasa accuses of receiving foreign support, including from regional actors.

The M23’s takeover of Goma has been internationally condemned, and the Congolese government continues to assert its authority over the region.

Kenya’s Position

Kenyan President William Ruto included Judy Kiara’s appointment in a wider diplomatic reshuffle aimed at expanding Kenya’s influence in the Great Lakes region. Nairobi has not publicly responded to Congo’s rejection, but sources within Kenya’s foreign ministry say the appointment was made “in good faith” to support regional diplomacy and Kenyan citizens in Goma.

However, Congo sees it differently as an act of interference in a conflict zone still under military contestation.

Diplomatic Fallout

This latest dispute comes amid tense regional dynamics, with Congo already wary of neighboring countries’ involvement in eastern DRC’s volatile landscape. The African Union and East African Community are expected to be called on to mediate and clarify regional diplomatic boundaries.

As of now, the status of Kenya’s proposed diplomatic mission in Goma remains uncertain, and relations between Kinshasa and Nairobi appear strained.

The incident occurred as Ruto spoke about efforts to lower fertilizer prices—part of broader attempts to address economic pressures that have fueled public discontent. Although his administration has rolled back some proposed tax increases and included opposition figures in government roles, frustrations over the cost of living persist.

Following the incident, authorities arrested three individuals in connection with the disturbance, according to local media reports.

The shoe-throwing drew comparisons to past global protests where similar actions symbolized political dissent.