Kochi, Oct 15: Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Amolo Odinga, passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, according to police and hospital authorities.
Officials said the 80-year-old Kenyan leader, who had arrived in India a few days ago for traditional Ayurvedic therapy, collapsed during a morning walk within the premises of the treatment center at Koothattukulam, around 40 kilometers from Kochi.
He was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead at around 9:52 a.m. (Indian Standard Time).
“Mr. Odinga was brought in unresponsive. Despite our best efforts, he could not be revived,” a spokesperson for the Ayurvedic eye hospital said.
Police confirmed that Odinga’s body has been kept at the hospital pending official procedures. Local authorities have also notified the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and the Kenyan High Commission in New Delhi regarding the incident.
Raila Amolo Odinga
Sources said Odinga arrived in Koothattukulam last week, accompanied by close family members and aides for a short course of Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy. The center, located in a serene rural setting, is popular among foreign nationals seeking holistic health treatments.
According to staff members, the former Kenyan premier maintained a simple routine — meditation sessions, therapeutic massages, and short morning walks. However, on Wednesday morning, he suddenly collapsed during his walk and was immediately attended to by the facility’s medical team before being transported to the hospital.
Raila Odinga, one of the most influential figures in Kenyan politics, served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under a coalition government formed after Kenya’s post-election crisis.
Over the decades, he became known as a champion of democracy and reform, often referred to as the “People’s President” by his supporters. Odinga contested Kenya’s presidency five times — in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 — narrowly missing victory in several hotly contested polls.
Despite political setbacks, Odinga remained a dominant and respected figure in the region, often advocating for transparency, human rights, and Pan-African cooperation.
News of Odinga’s death sent shockwaves across Kenya and the African continent.
Kenyan President William Ruto and opposition figures are expected to issue official statements of condolence. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from political allies, civil society leaders, and citizens remembering Odinga’s decades-long contribution to public life.
In India, local authorities expressed sorrow over the incident, noting that the state of Kerala has long welcomed international visitors seeking traditional medicine and wellness treatments.
Officials from the Kenyan High Commission are coordinating with Kerala police and Indian authorities to facilitate the repatriation of Odinga’s remains.
Post-mortem and formal documentation are expected to be completed at a Kochi medical facility before the body is flown back to Nairobi.
A senior police officer in Ernakulam said,
“The Kenyan embassy has been informed. All formalities are being carried out as per international protocol.”
In Nairobi, thousands of Kenyans gathered outside Odinga’s political offices, waving national flags and chanting his name. Many described him as a visionary leader who fought tirelessly for democracy and equality.
Odinga’s family has yet to issue an official statement, but sources close to them said they are working with the Kenyan government and Indian authorities on funeral arrangements.
His death marks the end of an era in Kenya’s post-independence political history — one defined by resilience, reform, and relentless pursuit of justice.
Raila Amolo Odinga
About Raila Odinga
| Born | January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Kenya |
|---|---|
| Political Party | Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) |
| Positions Held | Prime Minister (2008–2013), MP for Lang’ata, Cabinet Minister |
| Education | Studied in East Germany, Degree in Mechanical Engineering |
| Legacy | Advocate for democracy, constitutional reform, and Pan-Africanism |
Kerala is globally recognized as a hub for Ayurvedic wellness treatments, attracting thousands of visitors from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East each year.
Facilities like the one Odinga visited offer customized therapies for rejuvenation, chronic pain management, and stress relief.
The state government has announced that it will extend full cooperation to Kenyan authorities in ensuring a smooth process for repatriation.
Preliminary reports from Nairobi suggest that Kenya will observe a period of national mourning once Odinga’s body returns home. A state funeral is being considered, with dignitaries from across Africa expected to attend.
Flags are likely to be flown at half-mast in remembrance of the veteran leader whose political influence spanned generations.
Raila Odinga’s sudden death in Kerala brings to a close a remarkable life dedicated to public service and reform. His passing on foreign soil, while seeking wellness, has deeply moved millions across continents.
He will be remembered not only as Kenya’s longest-serving opposition figure but also as a symbol of democratic struggle in Africa.
