EXPLAINER: Understanding cardiac arrest — what killed Raila

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died of cardiac arrest while receiving treatment at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India.

The tragedy struck at 9:52am, Indian time, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, after the leader collapsed while on a morning jog.

Raila,80, had been under medical care for diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, according to the hospital’s statement.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled as part of standard medical and legal procedures.

Indian news outlet Mathrubhumi.com reported that Raila had been recuperating at an Ayurvedic wellness centre after suffering a mild stroke in Kenya weeks earlier.

What is cardiac arrest?

According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest is a sudden and unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness.

It is caused by an electrical malfunction in the heart that disrupts its pumping action, cutting off blood flow to vital organs.

Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by blocked arteries, cardiac arrest is often triggered by arrhythmias and can be fatal within minutes if not treated immediately.

Doctors emphasise that cardiac arrest is a medical emergency.

Immediate CPR and defibrillation can restore the heartbeat if performed within minutes.

Common causes include ventricular fibrillation (chaotic heart rhythm), heart disease, stroke, severe electrolyte imbalances, and drug interactions or overdose.

According to eMedicineHealth, symptoms may include fainting, dizziness, chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

How diabetes, hypertension and CDK increase risk

Raila had long battled diabetes and hypertension, both chronic conditions that significantly increase the risk of cardiac arrest.

His underlying health conditions significantly increased his risk.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart, making cardiac complications more likely.

The condition also contributes to inflammation and plaque buildup, which strains the cardiovascular system.

Diabetes, particularly type 2, is a chronic condition that disrupts how the body processes glucose (sugar).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively.

This leads to elevated blood sugar levels, which, over tim,e damage blood vessels and vital organs.

According to PIH Health and the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes are up to four times more likely to develop heart disease than those without it.

Diabetes also increases the risk of cardiac arrest, especially when combined with other conditions like hypertension and kidney disease.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another major risk factor.

According to the World Health Organization, prolonged hypertension can lead to thickening of the heart muscle, reduced elasticity of arteries, and increased likelihood of heart failure or stroke.

It often goes undetected until it causes serious damage.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which Raila was also being treated for, compounds these risks.

CKD is a gradual loss of kidney function.

According to Harvard Health, it’s closely linked to cardiovascular disease because the kidneys and heart work together to regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, and waste removal

Mayo Clinic states that CKD interferes with the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure and remove toxins, placing additional stress on the heart.

Patients with CKD are more likely to experience cardiovascular events, including cardiac arrest.

The National Kidney Foundation emphasises that when one organ is compromised, the other is affected too.

This reciprocal relationship means that kidney disease often worsens heart conditions—and vice versa.

Connection to stroke and kidney disease

Health experts note that Raila’s earlier mild stroke and chronic kidney disease were also potential indicators of widespread vascular strain.

Stroke results from interrupted blood flow to the brain, usually due to a clot or burst vessel, often a complication of hypertension.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure and remove toxins, further stressing the heart.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), patients with CKD have a 20–30 percent higher risk of cardiovascular death than the general population.

A reminder on preventive health

Cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

In Kenya, heart-related diseases are rising sharply due to lifestyle factors, late diagnosis, and limited access to specialised care.

Doctors advise regular medical check-ups, strict control of blood pressure and blood sugar, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management.

Together, these conditions form a dangerous triad.

In Raila’s case, the combination of diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and a recent stroke created a high-risk environment for cardiac arrest.

Raila’s death serves as a solemn reminder of how chronic illnesses can silently converge into life-threatening emergencies.