Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has died in India at the age of 80, according to hospital and media sources in Kerala. Reports indicate that Odinga suffered a cardiac arrest on Wednesday morning while undergoing Ayurvedic treatment in the southern Indian state.
How India Released the News
The first confirmation came from Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, Kerala, where Odinga was pronounced dead after collapsing during a morning walk.
Indian media, including Mathrubhumi and Times of India, quoted hospital officials who confirmed that Odinga arrived unresponsive and could not be revived despite emergency efforts.
A spokesperson for the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital & Research Centre, where Odinga had been receiving alternative treatment, said he had been staying in Kerala for therapy before the sudden collapse.
Indian police and medical officials relayed the information to both the Kenyan Embassy in New Delhi and the Ministry of External Affairs, after which the news was formally communicated to Kenyan authorities.
Shortly after, Reuters and Associated Press (AP) reported the death, citing hospital confirmations and sources close to Odinga’s office.
🕊️ Scenes Back Home in Kenya
At Odinga’s Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, hundreds of mourners have gathered since morning, wailing and praying as they await an official family statement. The compound has turned into a sea of grief as supporters chant songs of remembrance for “Baba.”
Siaya Senator Hon. Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, is expected to address the media at 10:00 AM in Nairobi, where he will issue an official statement on the family’s behalf.
Security has been heightened in Bondo and Kisumu amid growing crowds and emotional scenes.
🏛️ Political and Global Reactions
Messages of condolence have begun pouring in from across the political spectrum and around the world. President William Ruto is reported to have convened a meeting with top government officials to discuss plans for a national mourning period and possible state funeral arrangements.
African leaders and former heads of state have also expressed their sorrow, describing Raila Odinga as “a fearless reformist who stood for democracy and justice in Africa.”
📘 Legacy of a Statesman
Raila Odinga, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister (2008–2013), was a central figure in Kenya’s democratic struggle, playing key roles in multi-party reform, constitutional change, and peace negotiations after the 2007 post-election crisis.
Known for his political resilience and influence across generations, Odinga leaves behind a legacy that will define Kenya’s political history for decades.
📰 Kisasa News Statement
Kisasa News will continue to provide verified updates as the Odinga family, the Kenyan government, and ODM leadership release official information. Our team remains on the ground in Bondo, Nairobi, and Kerala to ensure accurate coverage of this developing story.
