Former U.S. President Barack Obama has paid a moving tribute to Kenya’s longtime opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, calling him a true champion of democracy and a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and reconciliation in Africa’s political history.
In a statement released early Saturday, October 18, Obama reflected on Odinga’s decades of dedication to freedom and good governance, describing him as a man who consistently put his nation’s peace and unity above personal ambition.
“Raila Odinga was a true champion of democracy. A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya,” Obama said.
“Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values.”
Obama, whose late father was Kenyan, has long had a close connection to Kenya’s political journey and to Odinga himself.
The two men met on several occasions, including during Obama’s visits to Kenya as a U.S. Senator and later as President.
The former U.S. leader recalled Odinga’s remarkable resilience and leadership during some of Kenya’s most turbulent political periods — from his years in detention under the one-party regime to his tireless calls for electoral reforms and inclusive governance.
Obama noted that Odinga’s influence extended well beyond Kenya’s borders, inspiring democratic movements across Africa and earning respect on the global stage.
“Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world,” Obama said. “I know he will be missed.”
He concluded his message by offering condolences on behalf of himself and former First Lady Michelle Obama:
“Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya.”
Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, at the age of 80, was undergoing medical treatment in India at the time of his death. His body was flown back to Kenya, where thousands of mourners have gathered across the country to pay their respects.
The government has declared a State Funeral in his honor, which will take place on Sunday, October 19, at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu County.
Leaders from across Africa and around the world have continued to send tributes, remembering Odinga as a steadfast defender of democracy, Pan-Africanism, and social justice.
Despite moments of grief and unrest during the funeral processions, many Kenyans have united in honoring a man whose name became synonymous with the country’s fight for democracy and equality.
As Obama’s words reminded the world — Raila Odinga’s story is not just Kenya’s story. It is a universal reminder that the pursuit of justice and freedom demands courage, humility, and sacrifice.
