Although Duale’s tribute was deeply respectful, his history with Odinga was far from smooth. Their political journey began in 2007 when Odinga’s ODM catapulted Duale into national politics. However, their relationship soon became strained during the 2008–2012 Grand Coalition government, where Duale grew disillusioned over what he claimed were unfulfilled promises, including the establishment of a Livestock Insurance Fund and increased representation for the North Eastern region.
By TWV Reporter
Kenya is united in profound sorrow following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, who died of cardiac arrest on 15 October 2025 while receiving medical care in Kerala, India. His death has stirred deep emotion across the country, marking the end of an era for one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
In recognition of his monumental contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey, President William Ruto has declared seven days of national mourning, with flags to be flown at half-mast. The President also announced that Mr Odinga will be accorded a State Funeral in honour of his lifelong commitment to the nation.
Amidst global tributes, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale offered a moving reflection on X, capturing how his relationship with Odinga evolved from mentorship to rivalry, ultimately shaping Duale’s public life.
Duale mourned Odinga as a “mentor, teacher, and father,” crediting him with shaping his two-decade political career. “Kenya has lost one of its greatest sons,” Duale wrote, describing Odinga as a man whose “courage, conviction, and compassion defined generations.”
He recalled how Odinga personally mentored him in 2007, paving the way for his first election as Member of Parliament for Dujis Constituency under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) banner. “My family and I remain forever indebted to him for the guidance, faith, and warmth he extended so generously,” Duale stated, urging Kenyans to celebrate Odinga’s enduring legacy of unity and freedom.
President Ruto, despite years of political rivalry, described Odinga as “the father of our democracy,” while international leaders, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailed his global statesmanship and commitment to justice.
Although Duale’s tribute was deeply respectful, his history with Odinga was far from smooth. Their political journey began in 2007 when Odinga’s ODM catapulted Duale into national politics. However, their relationship soon became strained during the 2008–2012 Grand Coalition government, where Duale grew disillusioned over what he claimed were unfulfilled promises, including the establishment of a Livestock Insurance Fund and increased representation for the North Eastern region.
Policy disagreements, such as over the Mau Forest evictions and the extradition of Somali-Kenyan youths, further deepened their divide. The rift widened in 2013 when Duale defected from ODM to join William Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP), a move Odinga later described as an act of betrayal.
In 2017, Odinga publicly remarked, “I made Duale MP; he was a nobody when I picked him,” a comment that highlighted the depth of their political estrangement. As Jubilee’s Majority Leader between 2013 and 2020, Duale became one of Odinga’s most vocal critics, staunchly defending the Kenyatta–Ruto administration.
Now serving as Health Cabinet Secretary in President Ruto’s government, Duale’s reflection on Odinga’s passing suggests a measure of reconciliation and gratitude, an acknowledgment that, despite political differences, Raila Odinga’s mentorship was instrumental in shaping his public life.
