Goodluck Jonathan breaks silence on Raila Odinga’s death

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has mourned the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, describing him as a “true African patriot and a symbol of democratic struggle on the continent”.

In a tribute titled “Adieu H.E. Raila Odinga” shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Jonathan eulogized the late Kenyan statesman for his courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to democracy in Africa.

Odinga, 80, reportedly died in India after collapsing during a morning walk.

Expressing his grief, Jonathan wrote:

“I am saddened by the news of the passing of H.E. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya and a distinguished African statesman whose life symbolised resilience, courage, and democratic struggle in Africa.
Kenya has lost a patriot, and our continent has lost a great leader—one who understood that leadership is not about self but about service; who believed and looked forward to Africa’s greatness and ascendancy.”

The former Nigerian president further hailed Odinga as a fellow advocate of democracy and a devoted pan-Africanist whose influence would continue to inspire future generations.

“I honour him not just as a brother in the cause of democracy, but as a committed pan-Africanist whose light will continue to shine.
May history remember him kindly, and may Africa continue to be blessed by his hope, wisdom, and sacrifice,” he concluded.