Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, one of the most influential and enduring figures in Kenya’s political history, has died at the age of 80. Family sources confirmed that Odinga passed away on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in India.
In recent weeks, speculation had grown about his health, though his family and close allies repeatedly dismissed claims that he was critically ill.
Odinga, affectionately known by supporters as “Baba” (Father), “Agwambo” (Act of God), and “Tinga” (Tractor), was a towering force in Kenyan politics for decades. A relentless campaigner and master political mobiliser, he ran for president five times but never won—often alleging electoral fraud and calling for reforms.
His most notable vindication came in 2017 when Kenya’s Supreme Court annulled the re-election of then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, a decision Odinga hailed as a triumph for democracy. However, he later boycotted the rerun, citing unresolved irregularities.
Despite years of political rivalry, Odinga often reconciled with sitting presidents after fiercely contested elections. Following his defeat in 2022, he struck a deal with President William Ruto to form a “broad-based government,” bringing several of his allies into key positions. He defended the move as a step toward national unity after deadly nationwide protests that culminated in the storming of parliament.
Earlier this year, Odinga was backed by the Ruto administration in his bid to become chairperson of the African Union Commission. Though he enjoyed significant regional support, he ultimately lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
A symbol of Kenya’s pro-democracy struggle, Odinga’s political life was defined by resilience and sacrifice. He was twice detained under the repressive rule of Daniel arap Moi—first from 1982 to 1988 and again from 1989 to 1991—making him Kenya’s longest-serving political prisoner. His imprisonment, initially over an alleged coup attempt in 1982, propelled him into national prominence.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-vibrant-neon-lit-street-in-tbilisi-georgia-with-outdoor-cafes-and-people-walking-at-night-right-the-charyn-canyon-in-kaz.jpg?id=56635404&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you're a Canadian looking for yet <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canadian-vacation-destination-dupes">another reason to put off your next U.S. vacation</a>, look no further. A new report has found that the United States is one of the most expensive countries for Canadians to visit in 2025, requiring an eye-watering average daily budget of $354.</p><p>On Tuesday, March 4, the same day American President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tariffs-more-expensive-canada">officially imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian exports</a> and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy, <a href="https://hellosafe.ca/en/travel-insurance/budget-travel-ranking-countries">HelloSafe released its latest list</a> of the cheapest and most expensive travel destinations for Canadians.</p><p>While the report highlights plenty of <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/countries-where-canadian-dollars-go-a-long-way">budget-friendly travel inspo</a>, it also names the countries that require a hefty wallet — and some of the top ten might make you rethink your next trip (if you weren't already). </p><p>The most expensive country to visit is Barbados, where you'll need a jaw-dropping $471 per day to cover accommodation (hotels and Airbnbs), transport (internal flights, trains, buses, taxis) and food (restaurants and groceries). That's before the cost of international flights, too!</p><p>Other pricey Caribbean destinations include Antigua and Barbuda ($443) and Saint Kitts and Nevis ($387). While these spots have stunning beaches and luxury resorts, paradise never comes cheap!</p><p>The Maldives also makes the list, though that's hardly surprising — those overwater bungalows and private island resorts are not known for being budget-friendly. Grenada follows at $369 per day, and Switzerland, known for its chocolate, skiing, and generally being ridiculously expensive, comes in at $357.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6lRVIPo4J9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Canada's neighbours to the south sit comfortably in seventh place, tied with Micronesia. Between expensive hotels, pricey meals, and a transportation system that often requires renting a car, it's no surprise that the U.S. ranks so high.</p><p>Canadians visiting the U.S. should plan an average daily budget of $354. That's 64% more than staying somewhere here in Canada, which comes in at a more reasonable $216 per day. If you're considering hitting up New York, Los Angeles, or Miami, R.I.P. to your wallet.</p><p>If you want to make your loonies go further, there are plenty of destinations where your money will stretch way more. In fact, some of the world's cheapest travel spots cost less for an entire day than just one dinner in the U.S. </p><p>According to the report, the absolute cheapest country to travel to is Laos, at just $22 per day. That means what you'd spend on a couple of drinks in the U.S. could cover an entire day of travel in Laos, including accommodation, food, and transport. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7K4zSivefH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>If you're looking for adventure on a budget, Kazakhstan is a great option at just $27 per day. You can explore its vast steppes, visit stunning alpine lakes, and experience the unique blend of European and Asian cultures without spending a fortune.<br/></p><p>For wildlife lovers, Rwanda ($30 per day) offers lush jungles, breathtaking scenery, and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see mountain gorillas up close — something that would cost far more in other destinations. Meanwhile, Ghana ($31 per day) is perfect for travellers who love history, food, and vibrant city life.</p><p>Georgia ($39 per day) is another super affordable choice. The country (not the U.S. state) is known for its incredible food, cheap wine, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Plus, it's still relatively under-the-radar, meaning you won't have to fight off crowds of tourists. </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiaHE6Jqack/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Of course, flying to some of these places might cost more upfront compared to a quick trip to the U.S. But once you're there, your daily expenses will be way lower — meaning you can stay longer, experience more, and still spend less overall.</p><p>Here's a closer look at the full list of the cheapest countries Canadians can visit in 2025.</p><h3>The cheapest countries to visit in 2025</h3><br/><ol><li><strong>Laos</strong> – $22 per day</li><li><strong>Kazakhstan</strong> – $27 per day</li><li><strong>Rwanda</strong> – $30 per day</li><li><strong>Ghana</strong> – $31 per day</li><li><strong>Mongolia</strong> – $34 per day</li><li><strong>Armenia</strong> – $37 per day</li><li><strong>Burkina Faso</strong> – $38 per day</li><li><strong>Georgia</strong> – $39 per day</li><li><strong>Mali</strong> – $41 per day</li><li><strong>Burma (Myanmar)</strong> – $49 per day</li></ol><p>Canada and the U.S. haven't exactly been besties lately, especially with the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/trump-tariffs-legault-quebec">ongoing Trump tariff drama</a>. And now, seeing how expensive it is to visit, it's probably a good time to consider expanding your vacation horizons.</p><p>Instead of dropping $354 per day in the U.S., you could spend that same budget over two weeks in Laos. Or, you could splurge in a place like Georgia, where $354 could cover almost ten days of wine, sightseeing, and delicious food. </p><p>Wherever you go, safe travels Canada!</p><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em>
