Legend in his own lifetime! Kibaki family mourns Raila

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga / FILE

The family of the late former President Mwai Kibaki has mourned the death of Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The ODM leader died on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest while he was on a morning walk.

In a statement, Jimmy Kibaki eulogised him as no ordinary mortal who bestrode Kenya like a Colossus, and was a legend in his own lifetime.

“It is with a sense of deep sadness and loss that I have come to learn about the passing on of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga in India this morning.

“From the fiery political agitator of the 1980s and 1990s, to the esteemed and accomplished statesman of his latter years, Raila Odinga's service and contribution to this country is as extraordinary as it is exemplary.”

Jimmy said Raila was a personality simultaneously shrouded in myth as well as enormous charisma whose name now joins the pantheon of the giants of post-Independence Kenya.

“On behalf of the Kibaki Family, Caroline and I extend our sincere and deepest condolences to Mama Ida and her family, the people of Nyanza and Siaya, and to all fellow Kenyans during this trying and difficult time.”

“We pray that Raila Odinga's immortal soul now rests in perfect peace.”

He has been in India for about two weeks where he had sought medical attention.

Raila collapsed during a morning walk on Wednesday at 8:30 am, within the premises of the Ayurvedic facility. It was reported that CPR was administered by the medical team on-site

He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead around 9.52 am Indian Time. He was aged 80.

This was confirmed by a spokesman for the Ayurvedic eye hospital.

Recently, Raila experienced episodes of ill health, which led to his travel for treatment.

Earlier on, his elder brother, Senator Oburu Odinga, confirmed that Raila was recuperating in India after a brief period of illness, putting to rest rumors of critical or terminal conditions.

These health episodes were described as normal human ailments, with Oburu emphasising that Raila was stable, recovering well, and would soon return to Kenya.

“I want to tell you that Raila is up and about. Just like any other human being, he was indisposed a little and is now recuperating and resting,” Oburu said.

President William Ruto led the nation in condoling with the former prime minister's family at his Karen home.

Ruto was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, among other ODM leaders.

Several other elected leaders from the ODM and Kenya Kwanza were also present.

Mama Ida Odinga, the spouse to Raila said she did not expect the death of her husband to happen as it did.

She went on to say that while Raila's death was not expected, it has already happen and further called for calm.

“Poleni sana najua wote mmeshtuka hatukutegemea ingekuwa hivi lakini imeshafanyika,” Mama Ida stated before she went back to her house.

This loosely translates to, “I'm very sorry, I know you’re all shocked — we didn’t expect it to happen this way, but it has already happened.”