Ex-Kenya PM Raila Odinga Dies of Cardiac Arrest in Kerala

Kochi: Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga(80), died on Wednesday at Koothattukulam in Kerala’s Ernakulam district following a cardiac arrest. Odinga, who had arrived at Sreedhareeyam Eye Hospital for Ayurvedic treatment six days ago, collapsed during his morning walk within the hospital premises and was rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead around 9.52 am, a spokesman for the Ayurvedic eye hospital said.
Odinga had a long-standing connection with Sreedhareeyam Hospital. His daughter, Rosemary Odinga, had lost her vision in 2017 due to illness and had unsuccessfully sought treatment in Israel and China. In 2019, the family turned to the Ayurvedic facility in Koothattukulam, where Rosemary regained her vision. Impressed by the hospital’s care, Raila Odinga and his family returned for his own treatment.
Raila Odinga inaugurating the Diwali celebrations at Sreedhareeyam last year. (File Photo)
Following his death, hospital and police officials said that necessary procedures had been initiated with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for formalities related to transporting his body back to Kenya.
Raila Amolo Odinga served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. He represented the Lang’ata constituency in Parliament from 1992 to 2013 and was the Leader of the Opposition in Kenya from 2013 until his death.