Inside the Indian Hospital Where Raila Odinga Spent His Final Hours
Devamatha Hospital, a prominent multi-specialty medical institution in the central Kerala town of Koothattukulam, became the center of international attention on October 15 following the death of Kenyan opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The hospital is known for its advanced emergency medical care and the Gastroenterology Center, and it has long been a pillar of healthcare in Kerala.
It was established in 1975 to honor the birth centenary of its founder, Venerable Mar Thomas Kurialacherry. The hospital now serves as a 250-bed multi-specialty facility, offering 100 functional beds and state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
Devamatha Hospital Operations
Its Emergency and Trauma Care Unit operates around the clock, with well-trained staff and rapid response protocols.
The hospital is staffed by 25 senior doctors, 74 nurses, and more than 130 support and paramedical personnel.
The hospital’s founding vision, rooted in the Catholic faith and social service, continues to shape its mission.
Devamatha is supported by a hospice for the elderly and disabled, alongside regular community health programs and seminars.
Its founders, Venerable Mar Thomas Kurialacherry and Mother Mary Francesca De Chantal, are revered for their commitment to accessible, compassionate healthcare.
Where Raila Spent His Last Hours
Odinga, 80, reportedly collapsed during a morning walk and was rushed to Devamatha Hospital.
Despite efforts by emergency medical personnel, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
His body is currently being held in the hospital’s mortuary, which includes a modern deep-freezing facility designed to accommodate bodies.
The hospital is accredited under the NABH Entry Level program and offers a wide range of specialties, including Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, Rheumatology, Urology, ENT, Pediatrics, and Orthopedics.
It also features 24/7 services such as a trauma care unit, a fully automated laboratory, a pharmacy, and a hospice facility for terminally ill patients.
The Death of Raila
Odinga, affectionately known as “Baba,” was a towering figure in African politics.
A champion of democracy and electoral reform in Kenya, he served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and led the Orange Democratic Movement party.
He ran for president five times, earning widespread support but never clinching the country’s highest office.
His passing comes after days of speculation over his health.
Family members had recently dismissed reports of his deteriorating condition, stating that he was “in good spirits” and recovering. Odinga had traveled to India in late September for what his team described as “routine medical follow-up.”
News of his death has sent shockwaves across Kenya and the African continent, with leaders and citizens paying tribute to his decades of political service.
