Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister, dies at 80
Kenya’s former Prime Minister and veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80. Widely regarded as one of the country’s most influential political figures, Odinga shaped Kenya’s modern democracy over a career spanning more than four decades.
The Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India, confirmed his death after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk on Wednesday.
Odinga ran for president five times without success, including in the disputed 2007 election that triggered widespread ethnic violence, leaving nearly 1,000 people dead.
In a live address to the nation, Kenya’s President William Ruto, declared seven days of national mourning. He paid tribute to Odinga as “the father of our democracy,” and a “giant” of Kenyan politics.
“Raila Amolo Odinga was a once-in-a-generation leader — a man whose ideals rose above politics and whose legacy will continue to shape Kenya’s destiny,” Ruto said.
Despite never attaining the presidency, he was credited with helping dismantle Kenya’s one-party rule under Daniel arap Moi in 1992 and championing the progressive 2010 constitution, which ushered in far-reaching political reforms.
In recent months, Odinga made headlines for signing a political deal with President William Ruto, following weeks of youth-led anti-government protests that left hundreds dead. The move divided opinion in Kenya but underscored Odinga’s enduring role as a political power broker.
Born in 1945 western Kenya, Odinga commanded a passionate and loyal following across the country — from his home region to Nairobi’s Kibera, one of Africa’s largest slums, where his support ran deep.
What NPR reporters will remember most about these Winter Olympics
NPR's reporters on the ground in Italy reflect on a far-flung, jam-packed Winter Olympics.
In the shadow of the Olympics, migrants search for a welcome in Milan
As Italy cracks down on migration, Milan takes a different path — offering shelter and integration to asylum seekers even as the central government tightens borders and funds deterrence abroad.
Trump to raise global tariffs. And, most say the state of the union is weak, poll says
President Trump says he is raising global tariffs to 15%. And ahead of the president's address tomorrow, most Americans say the state of the union is not strong, according to an NPR poll.
U.S. has a quarter fewer immigration judges than it did a year ago. Here’s why
The continued drain of personnel from the already strained immigration court system has contributed to depleted staff morale, mounting case backlogs — and floundering due process.
Poll: Most say the state of the union is not strong and the U.S. is worse off
Ahead of the State of the Union address on Tuesday, evidence continues to mount that President Trump is facing political headwinds.
Influencers are promoting peptides for better health. What’s the science say?
The latest wellness craze involves injecting these molecules for athletic performance, longevity and more. Scientists say the research isn't keeping pace with the health claims.
