Raila Odinga, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics and former Prime Minister, has died at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in India.
He collapsed during a morning walk and was taken to Devamatha Hospital, where he suffered a cardiac arrest and was declared dead at 09:52 local time (04:22 GMT).
In the weeks prior to his death, there had been speculation about his health, though family members and political allies had dismissed reports of critical illness.
Kenyan President William Ruto paid tribute to Odinga, describing him as a "beacon of courage" and "father of our democracy," calling him a once-in-a-generation leader whose legacy will influence Kenya for generations.
A seven-day mourning period has been declared, and Odinga will be accorded a state funeral with full military honors.
Condolences have poured in from Kenyan politicians and world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, all praising Odinga's leadership and dedication to democracy.
Kenya's parliament observed a minute of silence in his honor and scheduled a session for lawmakers to pay tribute.
President Ruto visited Odinga's family home in Nairobi to express condolences to his widow, Ida Odinga, and other family members.
A delegation led by Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Odinga's widow is expected to travel to India to oversee arrangements for repatriating his body.
Supporters have taken to the streets in mourning, especially in Odinga's political strongholds in western Kenya and parts of Nairobi.
Odinga was a towering political mobilizer who ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times, rejecting the results each time and alleging electoral theft.
He was vindicated by Kenya's highest court in 2017 when it annulled Uhuru Kenyatta's victory and ordered fresh polls, which Odinga boycotted demanding electoral reforms.
He later reconciled with Kenyatta in 2018, ending months of political tension.
The disputed 2007 election, which Odinga claimed was stolen from him, led to a major crisis with violence causing 1,200 deaths and displacing about 600,000 people.
A power-sharing agreement brokered by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan resulted in Odinga becoming prime minister in a unity government.
Throughout his career, Odinga was known as a symbol of resistance and reform, having been detained twice during Daniel arap Moi's rule for his opposition to one-party dictatorship.
He was Kenya's longest-serving political detainee and initially rose to national prominence after an attempted coup in 1982.
Odinga inspired a passionate following, especially in western Kenya, where he was affectionately called "Baba," "Agwambo," and "Tinga." His death leaves a significant void in Kenyan politics, as he was widely regarded as a master strategist and advocate for democratic freedoms and human rights.
He was the son of Jaramogi Odinga, Kenya's first vice-president.