Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga, died on Wednesday morning at an Ayurvedic eye hospital and research centre in Kerala, India. He was 80.
According to authorities at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district, Mr. Odinga suffered a cardiac failure during his morning walk on the hospital campus around 9 a.m.
Hospital officials confirmed that Mr. Odinga had been receiving treatment at the facility for the past five days. “He was accompanied by his daughter and personal doctor during his stay,” a hospital representative said.
The management of the hospital stated that the body would be embalmed and further arrangements would be made in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Kenyan Embassy in New Delhi. “We are coordinating with the concerned authorities to ensure that all formalities are completed respectfully,” the statement added.
Mr. Odinga had a long-standing connection with the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital. His daughter, Rosemary Odinga, underwent treatment there after losing her eyesight completely in 2017 due to optic nerve damage. Following her recovery, Mr. Odinga publicly expressed gratitude to the doctors and staff at the centre in 2019, praising their efforts in helping her regain her vision.
Born in 1945, Raila Odinga served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under a power-sharing agreement following the disputed 2007 elections. He represented Langata constituency in Parliament from 1992 to 2013 and was a central figure in Kenya’s political landscape for decades.
He also served as the Leader of the Opposition for many years, remaining an influential voice in Kenyan politics long after leaving office.
As arrangements for the repatriation of his body begin, tributes are expected to pour in from across Kenya and beyond, marking the passing of one of Africa’s most prominent political figures.
