Ex-Kenya PM Raila Odinga dies of cardiac arrest; was undergoing Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala

Prominent Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, a former prime minister of the African country, died of cardiac arrest in Kerala on Wednesday. Odinga had been in Kerala for Ayurvedic treatment at a facility in Koothattukulam in the state's Ernakulam district."He collapsed during a morning walk within the premises of the Ayurvedic facility and was rushed to a private hospital," a spokesperson for the eye hospital told news agency PTI."The Ayurvedic facility had earlier helped his daughter regain her vision," the spokesperson added.His body remains at the private hospital, and authorities have informed the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to carry out necessary procedures as per protocol.Who was Raila Odinga?Born on January 7, 1945, Odinga was a pro-democracy campaigner who spent eight years in prison. A member of the Luo tribe, he entered Kenyan parliament in 1992 and contested the presidency five times—in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022—claiming to have been “cheated of victory” in the last four elections. A lifelong fan of Arsenal Football Club, he became Kenya's prime minister in February 2008 through a power-sharing deal aimed at ending the violence that erupted after the 2007 presidential election, in which he was the defeated candidate.

The post of prime minister was abolished under a new Constitution in 2010.Condolences pour in"Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued over the years. He had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom.

This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties.

He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter's health. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief," Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.

Kenya's former chief justice, and current presidential candidate, David Maraga, said he was "shocked" by news of the death. Odinga was "a patriot, a pan-Africanist, a democrat and a leader who made significant contributions to democracy in Kenya and in Africa," Maraga posted on social media. "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. The world has lost a great leader," he added.Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was among the first to react, posting on X: "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."