- Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest in India.
- Doctors at Devamatha Hospital confirmed that despite all medical efforts, they were unable to revive him.
- Odinga had been receiving Ayurvedic therapy at Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital since October 4, following a minor stroke.
- He showed signs of recovery before collapsing during a morning walk.
- The 80-year-old leader’s passing ends a long and impactful political journey that shaped Kenya’s democracy.
Doctors at Devamatha Hospital in Kochi, India, where Raila Odinga was urgently admitted following a cardiac arrest, have confirmed details of his final moments.
Cardiologist Dr Sr. Alphons, who was part of the medical team attending to him, said that despite their best efforts, they could not save his life.
“Despite our continued cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other measures, we could not make him survive,” said Dr Alphons.
“We are very sorry to inform you that he is no more with us. Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to his family and to the people of Kenya.”
Dr. Alphons shared the statement during an interview with ANI News, a South Asian multimedia news agency.
The former Prime Minister had travelled to India on October 4 after experiencing a minor stroke in Kenya. He was admitted to the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam, where he was undergoing Ayurvedic therapy.
Sources at the hospital said Odinga initially arrived in a wheelchair but later showed encouraging signs of recovery. His vitals had stabilized, and he had begun walking short distances while expressing optimism about returning home soon.
On Wednesday morning, Raila followed his normal routine, going for a short walk within the hospital compound around 8:30 a.m., accompanied by his personal doctor.
However, he suddenly collapsed during the walk after suffering a cardiac arrest. Medical staff at Sreedhareeyam immediately administered CPR before rushing him to Devamatha Hospital in Kochi.
Despite being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and undergoing emergency treatment, doctors pronounced him dead at 9:52 a.m. (Indian Time).
Raila Odinga’s passing comes after weeks of speculation in Kenya over his health and limited public appearances. His party, ODM, had previously assured the nation that he was responding well to treatment.
Until his final moments, Odinga was said to be in high spirits and eager to return home.
His death marks the end of an era for a leader whose political life and reform efforts deeply influenced Kenya’s democracy and governance for decades.
