Former Kenyan prime minister Raila Odinga dies aged 80

Former Kenyan prime minister Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80 (Mosa’ab Elshamy/AP)

Former Kenyan prime minister Raila Odinga, a key figure in African politics, has died of a heart attack in India, the Devamatha Hospital in India’s Kerala State confirmed on Wednesday. He was 80.

Mr Odinga, who unsuccessfully ran for Kenya’s presidency in five elections over three decades, had signed a political pact with current President William Ruto in March that saw his opposition party involved in critical government policymaking and its members appointed to the Cabinet.

Mr Odinga was a strong voice for democratic reform, justice and regional diplomacy and recently lost an election to become the African Union chairperson.

Mr Ruto is expected to give a national address to officially announce Mr Odinga’s death.