Famous Kenyans Who Died in October and the Legacies They Left Behind

October has marked the passing of several prominent Kenyans whose contributions to politics, public service and the women’s movement continue to shape the country’s history even after their death.

Among them are former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Tharaka-Nithi Woman Representative Beatrice Nkatha Nyaga,and renowned women’s rights champion Jane Kiano.

Although these leaders served in different capacities, their careers were defined by leadership and efforts to influence society.

Raila Odinga: The Opposition Figure Who Shaped Kenya’s Politics

Former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga died on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in India.

Odinga had spent more than three decades at the centre of Kenyan politics, becoming one of the country’s most recognisable opposition leaders. He contested the presidency several times but never won.

His political journey was shaped by his opposition to one-party rule, his advocacy for political reforms and his involvement in the country’s transition to multiparty democracy.

He was also involved in the negotiations and political changes that followed the disputed 2007 presidential election, a subsequent power-sharing arrangement that saw him serve as Prime Minister in a coalition government with former President Mwai Kibaki.

Also Read: Remembering Raila: Details of the Meeting He Held on October 3, 2025 Before His Death

While in the government, Raila played a part in the constitutional reform process,  the 2010 Constitution. This Constitution introduced changes to the governance structure, including devolution and reforms to key institutions.

Odinga had for years campaigned for changes aimed at reducing the concentration of power in the presidency.

Beyond constitutional reform, Raila was also known for building the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into a political force and for maintaining a strong opposition presence in politics.

Remembering Beatrice Nkatha , Women Advocate Who Died in October

Former Tharaka-Nithi Woman Representative Beatrice Nkatha Nyaga also died on October 17, 2024.

She made history as the first woman representative for Tharaka-Nithi County and served in Parliament for two terms.

Following her death, Parliament remembered Beatrice as a dedicated leader who served the people of Tharaka-Nithi for a decade while maintaining close ties with communities across the county.

Before entering politics, Nkatha worked in government, including at the Office of the President, where she rose to the position of Deputy Government Printer.

Throughout her career, she championed the rights and welfare of women and vulnerable members of society.

Beatrice also championed initiatives aimed at improving economic opportunities for women and supporting community development.

Her supporters highlighted her efforts to empower women through income-generating activities, support the girl child and assist vulnerable members of the community.

Collage photo showing Jane Kiano, Raila Odinga and Beatrice Nkatha before their deaths in October. Photo/ Courtesy

Jane Kiano: A Lifetime of Women’s Empowerment

Another prominent Kenyan who died in October was Jane Mumbi Kiano, a former chairperson of the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO).

Kiano died at Nairobi Hospital in October 2018 at the age of 74 after more than four decades in public service and women’s leadership.

Also Read: Remembering Raila: His Final Social Media Posts Before His Death

She served as MYWO’s national chairperson from 1971 to 1984, a period during which the organisation played a key role in advocating for women’s social, economic and political advancement.

Jane later served as chairperson of the National Council of Women of Kenya from 1999 to 2003 and remained a patron of MYWO in her later years.

Furthermore, her public service extended beyond the women’s movement. She served as president of Alliance Française, deputy chairperson of the Nairobi City Commission, and was involved in the National Cohesion and Integration Commission.

After her death , Kenyans mourned her as a champion of women’s rights and empowerment, with leaders noting the influence she had on women and girls across the country.

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President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the signing of a political pact at KICC on March 7, 2025. PHOTO/PCS.