Former Kenya PM Raila Odinga Dies In Kerala; PM Modi Hails Him As 'Cherished Friend Of India'

Kochi: Veteran politician and former Prime Minister of Kenya died on Wednesday morning in Koothattukulam in Kerala's Ernakulam district following a cardiac arrest during his daily morning walk, police and hospital authorities said.

Odinga (80), who was in the state for Ayurvedic treatment, collapsed suddenly during the walk and was rushed to a Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead around 9.52 am, a spokesperson for the hospital said.

Odinga had arrived in Koothattukulam six days ago, accompanied by his daughter Rosemary Odinga and close family members. He had been following a routine of morning walks and hospital treatment sessions. Odinga and his family had been visiting the hospital, which had earlier helped his daughter regain her vision.

Odinga’s body has been kept at Deva Matha Hospital in Koothattukulam, with police and other authorities coordinating with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) as per protocol.

PM Modi pays tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over Odinga's death and hailed him as a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. "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," Modi wrote on X.

Prime Minister Modi said he had the privilege of knowing Odinga closely since his days as the chief minister of Gujarat, and their 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," PM the prime minister said.

In 2022, PM Modi, in one of his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio addresses, mentioned a conversation with Odinga about his daughter Rosemary, who suffered from a brain tumour that led to the loss of her eyesight, which improved after Ayurvedic therapy in India.

More about Odinga
Born on January 7, 1945, Odinga served as Kenya's Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, during a crucial period of national reconciliation and constitutional reform. After his tenure as PM ended, he became Leader of the Opposition and led the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party. He has been known for his fiery speeches and grassroots connections, which made him a central figure in shaping modern Kenyan democracy.

He played a vital role in the power-sharing agreement that ended the post-election violence of 2007–08, emerging as a national leader who advocated dialogue and reform. Odinga was also a long-time opposition leader and head of the Orange Democratic Movement.

Odinga unsuccessfully contested Kenya’s presidential polls five times, in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022. He emerged as runner-up thrice under the Coalitions for Reforms and Democracy (CORD), National Super Alliance (NASA), and Azimio la Umoja, respectively. In 2022, his latest loss prompted him to file a petition against President-elect William Ruto at Kenya’s Supreme Court, which later ruled against him.

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