The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader died on Wednesday morning in the Indian city of Kochi, where he was receiving treatment.
According to Indian newspapers Mathrubhumi and The Hindu, Odinga suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre. He had been undergoing treatment at the facility for the past five days.
A spokesperson for the hospital told AFP that Odinga experienced breathing difficulties and collapsed at around 7:45 AM. He was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, but his condition rapidly deteriorated.
Indian police reported that the former Prime Minister was accompanied by his sister, daughter, personal doctor, a Kenyan security officer, and an Indian police security officer at the time of the incident. A local police superintendent confirmed the details to news agencies.
A Political Icon
Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Raila Odinga was the son of Mary Juma Odinga and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president under President Jomo Kenyatta
Odinga was a towering figure in Kenyan politics for decades. He was arrested and charged with treason after being accused of playing a role in the failed 1982 coup attempt against then-President Daniel Arap Moi. He spent six years in detention before being released in February 1988, only to be detained again later that year until June 1989.
Odinga served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Lang’ata from 1992 to 2013 and was appointed Prime Minister in 2008, a position he held until 2013, serving under President Mwai Kibaki following a power-sharing agreement after a disputed election.
Despite his influence and popularity, Odinga ran for the presidency five times—most recently in 2017 and 2022—alleging electoral fraud after each unsuccessful bid.
Health Concerns and Denials
In recent weeks, speculation had grown about Odinga’s health after he was noticeably absent from public events. On Saturday, his elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, sought to calm public concerns by stating that Odinga was “recuperating and resting” in India and was not in a critical condition as some politicians had claimed.
I want to take this opportunity to clarify this. There have been a lot of rumours about our party leader, Raila Odinga, that he is very sick, that he is almost dying, and that he is completely out. But I want to tell you that he is out and about… he was not in those conditions alleged
Hon Oburu Odinga ODM officials also publicly denied that Odinga was battling any serious health complications at the time.
A Nation Mourns
Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics. As a long-serving opposition leader and statesman, he leaves behind a complex legacy of resilience, reform advocacy, and dedication to democratic ideals.
More information about funeral arrangements and national tributes is expected in the coming days.
