Countless world leaders and ordinary citizens flooded social media platforms to mourn the late former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Amollo Odinga, following his sudden death in India on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
Messages of condolence poured in from across the globe as Kenyans, especially Raila’s ardent supporters, grappled with the devastating news.
However, amid the worldwide outpouring of grief, one notable figure’s silence has left many Kenyans uneasy.
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Nairobi News has established that former U.S. President Barack Obama, who has often referred to Raila Odinga as his cousin, is yet to issue any public statement mourning the veteran opposition leader.
Kenyans online have been quick to notice Obama’s silence. Despite being known for his strong Kenyan roots and active social media presence, Obama has not shared any condolence message on any of his verified accounts.
This conspicuous silence has sparked heated debate online, with many questioning why the former American president has not paid tribute to a man many consider one of Africa’s most influential political figures.
The discussion was ignited by a random Kenyan netizen who pointed out that former U.S. President Donald Trump had already conveyed his condolences through the American Embassy in Nairobi, yet Obama had remained mum.
“Still waiting to see when former POTUS Barack Obama will honour his cousin Raila Amollo Odinga, one of Africa’s greatest sons. I’ve seen President Donald J. Trump send his emotional condolences via the U.S. Embassy. Barack, are you still sleeping? Agwambo has rested. Let’s tag that boy from Kogelo who miraculously became world president until he wakes up. Why is he behaving like he’s not a Kenyan Obama?” the netizen wrote.
The comment sparked a flurry of reactions, with both Raila’s supporters and Obama admirers chiming in.
John Franciis noted;
“I’ve just discussed this with my friend. It would be honourable for Obama to do so, as a statesman.”
Kibe Tony added;
“Some things are automatic. If he doesn’t feel the urgency, then maybe there was never anything.”
Carolyne Anyango wrote;
“Barack Obama is still in shock, just like some of us are.”
Johnson Salim commented;
“This evening I asked myself if the great Barack Obama is aware of this. I even asked my friend, who’s also still shocked, if Obama has been seen anywhere. The answer was ‘not yet.’ That guy should show up bwana!”
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Raila Odinga, aged 80, passed away while receiving treatment at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Center in Kochi, Kerala.
He reportedly collapsed during a morning walk and was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where doctors pronounced him dead from cardiac arrest.
Before his death, Raila had been recovering from a mild stroke.
His final moments were marked by breathing difficulties before he collapsed, ending the life of a man many Kenyans fondly referred to as Baba and Agwambo.
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