Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Koothattukulam, Kerala, India, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

A spokesman for the facility told AFP that Raila experienced some breathing difficulties and collapsed at around 07:45 am.

Raila collapsed within the premises of the Ayurvedic centre and was rushed to a private hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“He was brought in unresponsive, and despite our best efforts, we could not revive him,” the hospital confirmed in a statement.

Indian police said Raila was on a walk with his sister, daughter, and a personal doctor when he collapsed.

He was also accompanied by an Indian police security officer and a Kenyan security officer.

His Trip to India

Raila’s presence in India had been publicly acknowledged earlier this month when his elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, confirmed the former prime minister had travelled to the country for medical attention and was recuperating, denying social-media speculation that his condition was critical.

Hivileo.co.ke reported the family’s statement that Raila’s visit was for specialist care and routine checks.

Raila Odinga Profile: A Towering Figure in Kenyan politics

Raila Amolo Odinga, born January 7, 1945, was one of Kenya’s most influential and polarising political figures for more than four decades.

He served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 following the power-sharing pact that ended the post-election violence of 2007–2008.

A long-time opposition leader, founder and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila contested multiple presidential elections and remained a central voice in national politics, known both for his mobilising ability and for championing constitutional and electoral reforms.

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He played leading roles in campaigns for multiparty democracy in the 1990s, the push for the 2010 constitution, and later regional diplomacy, including mediation roles on behalf of Kenya.

His political career combined grassroots organising in Nyanza with national and continental ambitions, including an African Union bid earlier in the decade.

Emotional tributes from leaders

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch expressed deep sorrow over Raila’s death, revealing that he had spoken to the ODM leader shortly before his passing.

“Yesterday, you called me for seven minutes and gave me a lot of instructions that I am still trying to make sense of. I did not know you were saying goodbye. I am lost,” Oketch wrote in a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Oketch, a close political ally of Odinga, said the news had shattered him, describing the former Prime Minister as a mentor and father figure whose leadership shaped his political journey.

Also Read: The Life and Legacy of Raila Odinga

Kenyans hail Odinga’s legacy

Journalist and digital commentator Erick Njiru lauded Odinga’s lifelong dedication to democracy, crediting him for the freedoms Kenyans enjoy today.

“Raila Odinga fought for our democracy. Kenya has lost a true hero. The freedom we enjoy now is a result of his fight. Without him, Kenya would be like Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda,” Njiru wrote, adding the hashtag #RIPRao.

Njiru’s post reflected a sentiment shared by many Kenyans who see Raila’s political struggles, from his imprisonment during the Moi regime to his role in constitutional reform, as foundational to Kenya’s current democratic space.

Political analyst and academic Cornelius K. Ronoh echoed similar sentiments, noting that while Odinga was not without flaws, his contributions to Kenya’s political transformation were unmatched.

“Kenyans will remember Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga forever. As a human being, he made mistakes, but he also did many good things,” Ronoh stated.

“He fought for the democracy we are enjoying. He helped bring about the new constitution, making Kenya one of the freest countries in the world. We will miss you, Eng. Raila Odinga.”

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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. PHOTO/ODM.