It has now emerged that former Prime Minister Raila passed away due to cardiac arrest.
According to mathrubhumi.com, an Indian outlet, 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.
Raila had
been receiving treatment in Kochi, India.
He had been
admitted to the facility for rest and recovery following a mild stroke he
suffered in Kenya.
The hospital
spokesman said Raila and his family had been visiting the hospital, which had
earlier helped his daughter, Rosemary, regain her vision.
A police
officer told the foreign press that information regarding Raila’s death
had been conveyed to the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) for
necessary procedures as per protocol.
The nation
is awaiting an address by President William Ruto.
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.
The Orange
Democratic Movement (ODM) party also officially dismissed rumors that had been
widely circulated, accusing political rivals of spreading misinformation to
damage its image and undermine his political influence.
The party’s
secretariat and Raila’s family made deliberate efforts to maintain his privacy
regarding health matters, noting that although his health is not perfect, it
does not impede his activism or involvement in national unity efforts.
As tributes
pour in from across the globe, Raila Odinga is remembered not just as a
statesman but as a symbol of resistance, hope, and transformation. His legacy
will continue to shape Kenya’s democratic journey for generations to come.
Despite occasional hospital visits, including complex procedures like the brain fluid drainage in Dubai several years earlier and minor back surgery, the overarching message from his close allies has been one of strength and continuity.
