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| Image of Raila Odinga at a past function |
Kenya’s veteran opposition leader Raila Amolo Odinga has passed away in Kochi, India, where he had travelled for medical treatment. Reports from both Indian and Kenyan news outlets confirm that Raila, aged 80, died on the morning of Tuesday, October 15, after suffering a cardiac arrest.
According to hospital sources, Raila collapsed during a morning walk near an Ayurvedic wellness facility in Koothattukulam, Kerala, where he had been staying for treatment. He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead at 9:52 a.m. Indian Standard Time.
His daughter and several family members were reportedly by his side at the time of his death. The hospital has since placed his body in the mortuary as Kenyan and Indian authorities begin coordination for post-mortem procedures and repatriation arrangements.
The Kenyan Embassy in India has been notified, and preparations are underway to transport Raila’s body back to Nairobi.
Update Section (to be continuously updated):
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Official Family Statement: Odinga’s family is expected to release a formal statement later today confirming his passing and outlining funeral plans.
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Government Response: The Kenyan government is preparing an official statement of condolence, with national mourning likely to be declared.
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Repatriation: Arrangements are being made to fly the body from Kochi to Nairobi once medical and diplomatic procedures are complete.
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Public Tributes: Kenyans at home and abroad have begun sharing messages of grief and remembrance on social media, using the hashtag #RailaOdinga.
Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.