South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has joined other global leaders in mourning following the sudden demise of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
As earlier reported by Nairobi News, countless world leaders and influential personalities took to different social media platforms to honour the long-time opposition leader after his passing.
Joining the list, President Ramaphosa on the evening of Wednesday, October 15, 2025, issued a public and official statement addressed to all media entities, expressing his sorrow following Raila’s death as he consoled with Kenyans.
Ramaphosa condoled with Raila Odinga’s family, his supporters and Kenya as a whole, remembering the deceased as a selfless leaders, a friend and a brother he is proud to have worked with.
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“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,” Ramaphosa’s statement read in part.
The South African President hailed Raila for not only liberating Kenya but the entire continent, hence his appointment by the African Union to advance peace in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010.
“Raila Odinga was committed to the development of his own nation as well 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,” he added.
Ramaphosa’s condolence message to Kenya following Raila’s death came hot on the heels of countless others from other world leaders.
From Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali extended condolences on behalf of his government, calling Odinga “a patriot and a leader whose contributions to democracy will be remembered across Africa”.
The British Government also expressed its sorrow.
In a statement from the British High Commission in Nairobi, the Chargé d’Affaires and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat said:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Raila Odinga. His legacy as a statesman, reformer, and champion of democracy will forever resonate across Kenya and beyond. On behalf of the British Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Kenya.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned Raila, describing him as “a cherished friend of India,”.
He shared personal memories of their long-standing friendship dating back to his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
From Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema hailed Odinga as a “towering advocate for democracy,” adding that his legacy “will endure long after his passing.”
Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh also paid tribute, calling Odinga “a visionary leader whose voice for justice resonated far beyond his homeland.”
In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan mourned Odinga in a heartfelt message written in Swahili, describing him as ‘a great leader, a peace lover, and a pan-African visionary whose influence transcended Kenya’s borders.’
ALSO READ: Raila dies in hospital in India after heart attack
Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment in Kochi, India.
He died at the age of 80.
Odinga died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre.
According to reports from Indian newspapers Mathrubhumi and The Hindu, Odinga collapsed at around 7:45 a.m. during a walk accompanied by his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor.
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