DEVAMANTHA HOSPITAL, India, October 15th –The departed doyen of Kenyan opposition politics, Raila Odinga, succumbed after a cardiac arrest due to health conditions such as diabetes, kidney problems, and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), in the leg.
According to doctors who were treating him, he was rushed into the emergency unit of Devamantha Hospital, Koothatukkulum, Kerala, India, on the Wednesday morning of 15th October at 8.30 local time after a morning walk.
“We did CardioRespiratory Resuscitation (CPR), and emergency intubation into the trachea in the presence of his doctor and security. This was done along with other resuscitative measures,” she explained.
“After realising that there was no pulsation or BP, we later transferred him to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” she said while adding that they later noticed some rhythm in the monitor.
“We administered some injections and noticed some significant presence of oedema (swellings) in the right lower limb(leg). The information we got from his doctor is that he was a diabetic, hypertensive, chronic kidney disease patient and had DVT.”
“We continued with CPR from 8.00 to 9.52 am in our ICU, but despite our heartfelt efforts we couldn’t make him survive. We are very sorry to say that he is no more with us,” she confirmed.
Agwambo, as he was fondly known by many, had checked into Shreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye and Research Centre for treatment.
According to health experts, Ayurveda is an application of different health systems to achieve healing.
“It means the science of life and is one of the oldest forms of natural medicine practised in India for over 3,000 years. It focuses on restoring mind, body and spirit.”
Ayurveda utilises herbal therapy, personalised nutrition, detoxification, massage treatments, meditation, and yoga.
He had travelled with his daughter Winnie Odinga, who’s also an EALA Legislator, his personal doctor and long-time bodyguard Maurice Ogeta.
His death has sent shock waves across the nation, with tributes pouring in from leaders across the globe. Most citizens held peaceful processions in major cities and towns to remember their fallen hero.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi eulogised him as a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga. I have known him closely since my days as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and our association has continued well,” PM Modi wrote on his official X account.
In honour of his legacy, President William Ruto announced that Raila will receive a state burial and seven days of national mourning, during which all flags will be flown at half-mast.
His deputy, Prof Kithure Kindiki, was tasked with chairing the funeral committee, which will comprise the family members led by his elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga.
A Kenyan delegation led by the Prime Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, along with high-ranking government and ODM party officials, was dispatched to India to assist in repatriating his remains to the country.
Dr Odinga was born on 7th January 1945 to the first Vice President of Kenya, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Ajuma Odinga. He is survived by his spouse, Mama Ida Odinga, and children: Rosemary, Raila Junior and Winnie.
He joined active political activism in the early 1980s, and was a member of political parties such as the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (Ford) before 1992, Ford-Kenya (1992-1994), National Development Party (1994-2002), KANU Secretary General (2000-2002), Liberal Democratic Party (2002-2005), and Orange Democratic Movement (2005 to present).
Raila served as the Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013, and Member of Parliament (MP) for Lang’ata constituency between 1992-2013.
The enigma also led political affiliations like the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD 2012-2017), National Super Alliance (NASA 2017-2021), and Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition (2022 to 2025).
On his part, President Ruto described him as an icon who played a central role in shepherding Kenya into a new Constitutional dispensation is a towering legacy that immortalises him.
“Kenya is undoubtedly a much better place today because of the struggles, sacrifice, leadership, vision, and courage of a son of the soil, who never tired in the pursuit of a better Kenya.”
