Seven days of national mourning for Kenya's former PM Raila Odinga | DW News

Key Concepts

• Rao Odinga: Former Prime Minister of Kenya, prominent opposition leader.
• Baba: Affectionate Swahili term for Odinga, signifying a father figure and respected leader.
• Tinga: Swahili word for "tractor," referencing Odinga's tenacious and path-clearing political style.
• Guamo: Luo term loosely translating to "mysterious" or "enigma," reflecting Odinga's ability to forge cross-party alliances.
• Symbol of Defiance and Resilience: How followers perceived Odinga, particularly younger generations who grew up during his long political career.
• Father of Kenya's Democracy: President William Ruto's designation for Odinga.
• Cultural Phenomenon of Mourning: In Kenya, large public figures are mourned with overt and grand public displays, sometimes resembling celebrations due to the intensity of emotion.
• State Funeral: Expected official ceremony for Odinga, following national mourning.

Summary of Rao Odinga's Passing and Legacy

1. Passing and Initial Reactions

Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Rao Odinga, has passed away at the age of 80 due to a fatal heart attack during a visit to India. The news of his death, which broke early in the morning, was met with shock and disbelief by Kenyans. However, this initial disbelief quickly transitioned into a mood that, to an outsider, might be mistaken for a protest or celebration. This overt and grand display of mourning is described as a cultural phenomenon in Kenya, particularly for significant public figures. Crowds have gathered in Nairobi, near Odinga's family home, to express their grief and honor him.

2. Odinga's Significance and Follower Perception

Odinga was a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over three decades, serving as the de facto face of the opposition. He sought the presidency five times but was unsuccessful in his bids. His followers, who refer to themselves using a Swahili term that translates to "follower of a deity or movement," view him with immense reverence. They see him as a symbol of defiance and resilience, a figure they grew up with and who inspired them. President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning and has referred to Odinga as the "father of Kenya's democracy."

3. Legacy and Nicknames

Odinga's legacy is deeply intertwined with his public persona, as evidenced by his numerous nicknames:

• Baba: This term, signifying endearment and high respect, reflects the path he paved for subsequent politicians and his audacious nature, which even led to his detention.
• Tinga: Meaning "tractor" in Swahili, this nickname highlights his bullish and determined approach to politics, characterized by his ability to forge new paths where none seemed to exist.
• Guamo: Derived from his mother tongue (Luo), this term loosely translates to "mysterious" or "enigma." It refers to Odinga's remarkable ability to bridge political divides and form coalition governments with individuals who were previously considered his political adversaries.

While his ability to extend an olive branch was a hallmark of his career, it was also recently criticized by younger generations who perceived it as self-serving and an exploitation of their struggles for personal political gain. Nevertheless, most Kenyans acknowledge that Odinga will be remembered for his unwavering advocacy for Kenya's political freedoms.

4. Next Steps and Funeral Arrangements

A plane is currently en route to India to retrieve Odinga's body. His family and close members of the opposition are on this flight. Upon the body's return to Kenya, a period of national mourning will commence, and a state funeral is anticipated. Currently, all attention is focused on Bondo, Odinga's traditional village, where funeral rites and arrangements are actively being made.

Key Concepts Explained

• Opposition Leader: A politician or political party that is not in power but actively criticizes the government and offers alternative policies.
• Heart Attack: A medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is severely reduced or blocked, often leading to death.
• National Mourning: A period officially declared by a government to express sorrow and respect for a deceased prominent figure.
• State Funeral: A formal public funeral ceremony for a head of state or other significant national figure, often involving military honors and official protocols.
• Swahili: A Bantu language spoken widely in East Africa, serving as a lingua franca in many countries, including Kenya.
• Luo: A Nilotic ethnic group native to Kenya and Tanzania, and their language.
• Coalition Government: A government formed by an alliance of two or more political parties, typically when no single party has a majority in the legislature.
• Political Freedoms: The rights and liberties that allow citizens to participate in the political process, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and the right to vote.