Kenya’s former Prime Minister and longtime opposition leader Raila Odinga has died at 80 following a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in Kerala, India.

Widely regarded as a key architect of Kenya’s modern democracy, Odinga ran unsuccessfully for president five times, including the contentious 2007 election that sparked deadly ethnic violence.

President William Ruto declared seven days of national mourning, calling Odinga “the father of our democracy” and praising his lasting impact on the nation.

Odinga played a central role in ending Kenya’s one-party rule in 1992 and championed the progressive 2010 constitution, driving major political reforms, NPR has reported.

Even in recent months, he remained influential, brokering a political deal with Ruto after youth-led protests, cementing his legacy as a powerful political figure and national unifier.