Inside Raila Odinga’s Last Moments in India Before His Death
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s final moments were marked by a sudden cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic facility in India on Wednesday, October 15.
Reports from Kerala state indicate that Odinga collapsed within the premises of the facility and was rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam, where doctors pronounced him dead at around 9:53 a.m. Indian Time.
Raila Odinga Was With Family in India
According to hospital officials, Raila Odinga was brought in unresponsive, and efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. “He was brought in unresponsive, and despite our best efforts, we could not revive him,” the hospital said in a statement.
Sources confirmed that Raila was accompanied by his daughter and several relatives when the incident occurred. The Ayurvedic eye hospital’s spokesperson stated that his body is currently being preserved at the facility.
Raila Odinga Had Been in India for Treatment
The 80-year-old veteran politician had travelled to India a few weeks ago for medical treatment. His elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, had earlier confirmed Raila’s visit to India, saying he was recuperating from a mild illness.
On October 10, Oburu dismissed rumours about Raila’s health, assuring supporters that the ODM Party leader was recovering well. “He is out and about, just like any other human being who was indisposed a little and is now recuperating,” Oburu said.
Nation Mourns a Political Icon
Raila Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenya’s politics. The longtime opposition leader, who served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, was instrumental in Kenya’s democratic reforms and remained a symbol of political resilience for decades.
Plans for the return of his body and burial arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days as the country enters a period of national mourning.
