Kenyan political giantRaila Amolo Odinga died on 15 October 2025. The veteran politician was 80 years old. Following the news, activist Boniface Mwangi shared his condolences and a potent message of hope for Kenya's future.
Mr Odinga's death marks the end of a long and complex political era.
A Watch is Over
Boniface Mwangi offered his sympathies to the Odinga family via social media. He acknowledged the end of Mr Odinga’s decades-long political struggle.
Mwangi tweeted that "Mzee amepumzika. His watch is over".
However, the activist quickly pivoted to a revolutionary message. He stated that the death of the former Prime Minister was concurrent with the rise of a new future for the country.
READ ALSO: R.I.P!!! Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has Died
“What gives me hope is that last year a generation that will liberate Kenya from the shackles of bad leadership and corruption was born.”
Mwangi concluded his message with a rallying cry. He wrote: "Viva the revolution, viva".
Raila Odinga’s Final Moments
The passing of Mr Odinga occurred while he was undergoing treatment abroad. He died on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. The former Prime Minister was in Kochi, India, at the time of his death.
Reports indicate he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. This happened during a morning walk within the premises of an Ayurvedic facility.
He was rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam. Hospital authorities pronounced him dead around 9.52 am (Indian time).
Mr Odinga had arrived in Koothattukulam in Kerala's Ernakulam district specifically for Ayurvedic treatment. His daughter, Rosemary, was also receiving treatment in the same area.
The Backdrop of Absence
Mr Odinga's death came amid weeks of intense speculation within Kenya. His lack of public appearances had fuelled conspiracy theories online.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) had repeatedly denied that its leader was ill. They called the rumours political fabrications.
Last week, Ida Odinga had also stepped forward. She assured Kenyans that Raila was "healthy and fine".
However, the late politician's brother, Oburu Odinga, had acknowledged that Raila had been unwell. He confirmed that Mr Odinga had travelled abroad. He maintained that the condition was not life-threatening.
Political Colossus
Raila Odinga was a towering figure in Kenyan political history. He was a veteran politician for the past 50 years.
He held the post of Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013. He was only the second person in Kenyan history to hold this position.
ALSO READ: Raila Odinga's Passing: Remembering the Late Polticial Titan
Mr Odinga was also known for his persistent bids for the presidency. He ran for the top office five times. These attempts occurred in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022.
His final bid in 2022 saw him garner 48.85 percent of the vote. He finished second to William Ruto.
Mwangi’s message of a new generation of liberation now surfaces against this long history of political struggle.
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