The African Union Commission (AUC), through its Chairperson, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, has joined other world leaders to mourn the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as “one of Africa’s most visionary sons”.
In a statement on Wednesday, Chairperson Youssouf extended his condolences to Odinga’s family, the government and people of Kenya, and to the broader African community as he hailed the ODM party leader as a towering figure in Kenyan and African politics.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has learned with profound sadness of the passing of H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, and a distinguished statesman of the African continent,” a statement from the AUC read.
“On behalf of the African Union, its organs and institutions, the Chairperson extends his deepest condolences to the Odinga family, the government and people of Kenya, and to the entire African family mourning this immense loss.”
Raila passed away on Wednesday, October 15, after suffering cardiac arrest while taking a walk at the Ayurvedic Hospital campus. According to officials, he passed away while receiving treatment.
The AUC chair acknowledged Raila’s contributions to continental affairs, specifically his role as the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development.
In this position, Raila was integral in efforts to promote regional connectivity and integration, including supporting the foundation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The continent has lost a statesman whose dedication to dialogue, reform, and unity was unmatched,” Youssouf added.
The AUC chair’s statement bore added weight, given that Raila recently embarked on a highly publicised bid to become the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission in a race in which Youssouf ultimately emerged the winner.
Backed by President William Ruto, Raila campaigned through the continent in the build-up to the February 2025 vote and accompanied the Head of State on various foreign trips where other African leaders were invited to drum up support. Before the elections, Raila’s campaign team had indicated he had support from at least 21 countries. He, however, lost out in the sixth round in a hotly contested race.
Elsewhere, Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, also issued a statement mourning Raila as he hailed the former Prime Minister as a towering advocate for democracy.
“It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we extend our deepest condolences to the people of Kenya, the Odinga family, President William Ruto and all those touched by the life of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has passed on,” the Zambian Head of State said in a statement.
“In honouring his memory, we celebrate his many contributions. From advancing constitutional reforms and championing inclusive governance to fostering dialogue in times of crisis. His legacy will endure.”
Raila was among the first people to congratulate Hichilema when he clinched the presidency in 2021, and the two leaders have enjoyed a cordial relationship since.
