NAIROBI, Oct 18 (The African Portal) – Former U.S. President Barack Obama has paid tribute to Kenya’s late opposition leader Raila Odinga, describing him as a “true champion of democracy” who dedicated his life to freedom and self-governance in his country.
In a statement on Friday, Obama said Odinga, who died earlier this week in India at the age of 80, endured “decades of struggle and sacrifice” in pursuit of democratic ideals and justice for Kenyans.
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. Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions.… pic.twitter.com/zrmQNG06n7
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 17, 2025
“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.”
The former U.S. president praised Odinga’s commitment to peaceful reconciliation and his willingness to bridge political divides without compromising his principles.
“Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values,” Obama said, adding that Odinga’s example resonated “not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world.”
Obama extended condolences to Odinga’s family and the people of Kenya, saying he would be deeply missed.
Odinga, a veteran politician and former prime minister, was a key figure in Kenya’s pro-democracy movement and one of the most influential opposition leaders in the country’s history.
