Prominent Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, a former prime minister, died from cardiac arrest in Kerala on Wednesday, October 4. Odinga had been receiving Ayurvedic treatment at a facility in Koothattukulam, located in Ernakulam district.
According to a spokesperson for the facility, Odinga collapsed while walking on the grounds and was subsequently rushed to a private hospital. The spokesperson noted that the Ayurvedic center had previously aided in restoring his daughter’s vision. His body is currently at the hospital, and authorities have contacted the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to initiate the necessary procedures.
Born on January 7, 1945, Odinga was known as a pro-democracy figure and had spent eight years in prison for his activism. A member of the Luo tribe, he was elected to the Kenyan parliament in 1992 and ran for the presidency five times—in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022—asserting that he had been “cheated of victory” in the last four elections. A lifelong supporter of Arsenal Football Club, he served as Kenya’s prime minister from February 2008 as part of a power-sharing agreement designed to quell violence following the disputed 2007 presidential election. The position of prime minister was abolished under a new constitution in 2010.
Following his death, condolences flooded in from notable figures. Former Chief Justice of Kenya and current presidential candidate, David Maraga, expressed his shock and sadness. He described Odinga as “a patriot, a pan-Africanist, a democrat, and a leader who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and across Africa.” Maraga further stated, “Kenya has lost one of its most formidable leaders who shaped the trajectory of our beloved country. Africa has lost a leading voice in pushing for peace, security, and development.”
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was among the early responders, extending his condolences on social media, stating, “On behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, I extend my sincere condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. May he Rest In Peace.”
