President Ramaphosa mourns Raila Odinga: 'Africa has lost a patriotic and selfless leader'

President Cyril Ramaphosa has joined countless voices across the world in mourning the loss of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 in India while undergoing medical treatment. 

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said, “President Ramaphosa’s thoughts and prayers are with the Odinga family, friends, and associates of the late former Prime Minister, including the Orange Democratic Movement.

"The nation of Kenya and our continent have lost a patriotic and selfless leader whom President Ramaphosa knew and worked with as a friend and brother.”

Odinga, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, was a towering figure in African politics, known for his unwavering commitment to democracy and the welfare of his people, the Presidency said. 

"As leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), he navigated Kenya’s complex political terrain with resilience, often at great personal sacrifice.

"His vision extended beyond Kenya, as he championed peace and prosperity across Africa. Magwenya highlighted Odinga’s 2010 African Union (AU) appointment to mediate peace in Côte d’Ivoire, noting his dedication to “silencing the guns” on the continent."

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