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Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, the veteran opposition leader and former Prime Minister of Kenya, has passed away at the age of 80. Odinga succumbed to cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in Kerala, India, marking the end of an era for one of Africa’s most enduring political figures.
According to reports from multiple sources, Odinga suffered a massive heart attack during his routine morning walk on the campus of Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. local time, and despite immediate medical attention at nearby Devamatha Hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Raila had been at the facility for the past five days, accompanied by his daughter, Rosemary Odinga, and his personal doctor. The hospital held personal significance for the family, as Rosemary had received successful treatment there since 2019 for optic nerve damage that caused her to lose her vision in 2017.
Odinga’s trip to India came amid recent speculation about his health, which had been a recurring theme in his later years. In early October 2025, rumors swirled regarding his well-being after he missed several key political events, prompting his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to issue statements dismissing the claims as misinformation spread by political rivals. His wife, Ida Odinga, confirmed he had traveled abroad for rest, emphasizing his resilience amid past health challenges. Sources indicate the visit to Kerala was for Ayurvedic treatment, a holistic approach he had turned to in recent times, possibly to address ongoing age-related ailments.
A Timeline of Raila Odinga’s Health Challenges
Raila Odinga, born on January 7, 1945, had faced several health setbacks over his decades-long career, often amid the high-stakes demands of Kenyan politics. While he maintained a robust public image as a fighter for democracy, these episodes occasionally sidelined him:
2010: Odinga underwent surgery in Nairobi to relieve pressure from fluid buildup on his brain, a condition that caused severe headaches. He recovered quickly and returned to his duties as Prime Minister.
2017: During a political rally in Mombasa, he suffered from suspected food poisoning, leading to hospitalization. This was not his first such incident; a similar episode occurred in March of an unspecified year, treated at Karen Hospital in Nairobi.
2020-2021: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Odinga was hospitalized in March 2021 after contracting the virus. He received treatment in Dubai at a German hospital, including minor back surgery. His recovery was closely followed by the public, and he credited international medical care for his swift return to health.
2025: At 80, Odinga’s health became a topic of national discourse again. Party officials stressed that any issues were natural for his age, and privacy around his condition was paramount. His final trip to India highlighted ongoing concerns, culminating in the tragic cardiac event. Critics have used this to spotlight Kenya’s healthcare challenges, questioning why leaders often seek treatment abroad instead of using the widely praised SHA.
As arrangements for his repatriation and state funeral are expected to be announced, Kenya mourns a leader who shaped its democratic landscape. From KNK Digital, we offer our condolences to the family, supporters, and friends of Rt Hon Raila Odinga.
The post Raila Odinga Dies at 80 in India Following Cardiac Arrest first appeared on KaziNiKazi Digital and is written by Emanuel S..