Former U.S. President Barack Obama has paid an emotional tribute to the late former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as “a true champion of democracy” and “a leader who put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions.”
In a heartfelt message shared on Saturday, October 19, 2025 — four days after Odinga’s passing — Obama remembered Raila as a statesman whose struggle and sacrifice helped shape Kenya’s democratic journey.
“Raila Odinga was a true champion of democracy. A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya,” Obama said.
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“Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values.”
Obama added that Raila’s legacy transcended Kenya’s borders:
“Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world. I know he will be missed. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya.”
Raila Odinga, 80, died on October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in Kochi, India. His passing marked the end of an era for Kenyan politics, with world leaders and citizens alike mourning a man who defined opposition politics and democratic reform for decades.
Public Backlash Over Obama’s Silence
Before Obama’s tribute, Kenyans online and abroad had expressed frustration over his delayed response.
For nearly four days after Raila’s death, Obama remained publicly silent — even posting unrelated messages, including one honoring American singer D’Angelo — a move that drew sharp criticism from Kenyans on social media.
Users on X (formerly Twitter) accused Obama of “forgetting his roots” and “betraying his Luo kinship” with the Odinga family. Many noted that Obama’s father, Barack Obama Sr., hailed from Kogelo in Siaya County, the same region as Raila Odinga.
“It’s been over 46 hours since Baba Raila Odinga passed on, yet @BarackObama has not sent his condolence message,” one user wrote. “Mr. Obama, remember that before the accent, you are a Kenyan son.”
Others compared Obama’s silence to his swift tributes in the past — notably to Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai in 2011 — and even noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump had sent condolences to the Odinga family before him.
Media and Public Commentary
Kenyan media outlets such as Tuko.co.ke and Vipasho.co.ke captured the online uproar, publishing headlines questioning Obama’s silence despite his past closeness with Raila.
“Barack Obama’s silence on Raila Odinga’s death sparked questions,” Tuko reported, while Vipasho ran a satirical plea: “Please, Kenyans living in the U.S., tell Barack Obama that Raila has died.”
Across East Africa, regional publications like Tanzania Times echoed the surprise, calling Obama’s silence “uncharacteristic” given his historical admiration for Odinga during his 2015 Kenya visit.
Mixed Reactions After the Tribute
When Obama finally posted his statement on October 19, many Kenyans welcomed it with appreciation — though some maintained it had come “too late.” Others defended him, arguing that timing did not diminish the sincerity of his message.
Regardless of the timing, Obama’s tribute reinforced Raila Odinga’s global stature as a freedom fighter, peacemaker, and visionary who dedicated his life to a more democratic and united Kenya.