Raila Odinga Dies in India After Cardiac Arrest

Raila Odinga, who had been receiving treatment in India, reportedly passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk on Wednesday, October 15.

He was taken to hospital where doctors pronounced him dead at around 9:52 a.m. (Indian time), according to a hospital spokesperson. Reports from India indicated that his daughter and other family members were by his side.

The ODM leader had traveled to Koothattukulam in Kerala’s Ernakulam district for Ayurvedic treatment. The 80-year-old had been in India for six days, during which time conflicting reports about his health circulated widely.

On Thursday, October 9, Raila’s brother, Oburu Odinga, confirmed during an ODM function that Raila was indeed unwell and undergoing treatment, but assured that he was on the mend. He dismissed claims that the former Prime Minister was critically ill, clarifying that it was only a minor condition that required attention abroad.

“I want to clear the air because there have been many rumors about our party leader, Raila Odinga—that he is very sick, near death, or completely incapacitated. The truth is, he only had a minor health issue, he is recuperating, and he is now resting,” Oburu explained.

Just a day earlier, Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga, had also rejected speculation about his health, stating that he was fine and had simply travelled abroad to take a break from the country’s intense political scene. She questioned how outsiders could claim to know Raila’s condition better than she did.

Raila’s passing occurred just as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was preparing to mark its 20th anniversary, with celebrations scheduled in Mombasa.