Barack Obama has paid tribute to Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, describing him as a statesman who always put his country above personal ambition.
The former U.S. president recognized Odinga as a champion of democracy whose lifelong dedication to unity, freedom, and reconciliation left a lasting impact on Kenya and beyond.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) late Friday, Obama said, "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."
He added, "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 paternal roots trace back to Kenya’s Luo community, the same ethnic group as Raila, highlighted that the late leader’s influence extended beyond national borders.
"Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world. I know he will be missed. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya."
Raila Odinga, aged 80, died of a suspected heart attack while receiving treatment at a clinic in southern India. His death sparked an outpouring of grief across Kenya, culminating in a state funeral at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium on October 17, where massive crowds overwhelmed security.
Born on January 7, 1945, Raila Amolo Odinga played a central role in Kenyan politics for more than five decades. The son of Kenya’s first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, he rose as a strong advocate for multiparty democracy during President Daniel arap Moi’s authoritarian regime.
Detained multiple times in the 1980s and 1990s, Raila endured torture and exile but remained committed to political reform. He served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 in a coalition government formed after the deadly 2007 post-election violence, a role that solidified his reputation as a peacemaker.
Raila ran for president five times, most recently in 2022, often contesting election results and leading mass protests. His alliances, including the 2018 "handshake" with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and a recent partnership with President William Ruto, drew both praise for pragmatism and criticism for perceived opportunism.
In his eulogy, President Ruto described Raila as a "veteran statesman" whose contributions to Kenya’s democracy were unparalleled.