Pretoria – South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, extended his heartfelt condolences to the “government and people of Kenya” on the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The ailing 80-year-old, who was a key figure in African politics, died of a heart attack in India, where he was receiving medical treatment, the Devamatha Hospital in India’s Kerala State confirmed on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.
In South Africa, the Presidency released a statement saying President Ramaphosa’s thoughts and prayers were with the Odinga family and friends and associates of the late former Prime Minister, including the Orange Democratic Movement.
The statement quoted President Ramaphosa as saying: “The nation of Kenya and our continent have lost a patriotic and selfless leader whom I knew and worked with as a friend and brother.
“Raila Odinga was committed to the development of his own nation as well as prosperity and the silencing of the guns on our continent, as evidenced by his appointment by the African Union to advance peace in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010.
“He remained unwaveringly true to his principles and vision in the face of deep personal sacrifice and obstacles, and remained a leader who placed the interests of his country and continent first.”
