Statement by Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, on the Passing of the Right Honorable Raila Amolo Odinga of Kenya

On behalf of The Rockefeller Foundation, I extend my sincere condolences to the family of The Right Honorable Raila Amolo Odinga, as well as to the Government and the people of Kenya.

Mr. Odinga was a towering statesman who served for decades with courage and dedication to his nation and to the continent of Africa. He had a profound influence on Kenya’s democratic journey and was instrumental in championing a prosperous future for the entire region.

In his capacity as the African Union High Representative, Mr. Odinga passionately advocated for infrastructure development and Pan-African integration — initiatives that align closely with the Foundation’s mission to foster economic opportunity and resilience in Africa.

The Rockefeller Foundation has a deep and enduring connection to Kenya, with our Africa Regional Office based in Nairobi. We stand with the Kenyan people during this period of national mourning. We hope they can grieve in peace, and we support them as they continue the work of strengthening Kenya’s democracy.

The Right Honorable Raila Odinga’s extraordinary life and legacy will continue to inspire a peaceful, equitable, and flourishing future for generations to come.