Three days after the death of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, questions continue to mount over the silence of former U.S. President Barack Obama, a figure long considered close to the Odinga family.

Odinga, 80, died on Wednesday, October 15, after collapsing during a morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Center in Kochi, Kerala, India, where he had been receiving treatment.

According to medical reports, Odinga was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead from cardiac arrest.

Before his death, he had reportedly been recovering from a mild stroke and had shown signs of respiratory distress prior to collapsing.

Obama’s Social Media Silence Raises Eyebrows

Despite his deep Kenyan roots and known ties to the Odinga family, Barack Obama has yet to issue a statement or condolence message regarding Raila’s death.

This silence has puzzled many Kenyans and global observers, given Obama’s active social media presence.

On the same day Odinga passed away, Obama shared a tribute to R&B singer D’Angelo, who also died recently, prompting many to wonder why he has not acknowledged Raila’s passing.

Obama, who has millions of followers on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram, is widely known for publicly honoring prominent figures and humanitarian causes.

Also Read: Heartbreaking Photos of Raila’s Family and Friends Since His Passing

Global Leaders and Media Pay Tribute

As Obama remains silent, world leaders and global media houses have paid tribute to the late opposition leader.

Messages of condolence have poured in from President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Azimio Principal Martha Karua, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

International outlets including BBC, CNN, Reuters, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera have also reported extensively on Odinga’s death, highlighting his role in Kenya’s democratic journey and his decades-long fight for multiparty governance.

Given the extensive global coverage, observers believe that Obama is likely aware of Odinga’s death but may be choosing silence for personal or diplomatic reasons.

Kenyans React

Kenyans on social media have expressed mixed emotions over Obama’s silence.

One user lamented, “Still waiting to see when former POTUS Barack Obama will honour his cousin Raila Amollo Odinga, one of Africa’s greatest sons… Barack, are you still sleeping? Agwambo has rested.” Wrote Ouko Kevin.

Another user, John Franciis, commented, “It would be honourable for Obama to do so as a statesman.”

Others suggested Obama may still be processing the loss.

Carolyne Anyango remarked, “Barack Obama is still in shock, just like some of us.”

However, others like Kibe Tony criticized the perceived lack of urgency, stating, “Some things are automatic; if he doesn’t feel the urgency, then there has never been anything.”

Also Read:Tears and Grief as Raila Odinga’s Body Arrives at Nyayo Stadium

Public Awaits Obama’s Tribute

As the world continues to mourn Raila Odinga, all eyes remain on Barack Obama, whose tribute, if and when it comes, will carry symbolic weight given the historical and familial connections between the two.

For now, Kenyans continue to wait, questioning why the “boy from Kogelo who became U.S. President” has not yet spoken about one of Africa’s most influential political figures.

US President Barack Obama listens to Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House January 19, 2016 in Washington, DC. / AFP / Brendan Smialowski (Photo credit BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)