Raila Odinga Dies in India After Cardiac Arrest

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is dead.

Raila, who was undergoing treatment in India, is said to have died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk on Wednesday, October 15.

He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead at around 9:52am (Indian time), according to a spokesperson for the hospital.

According to reports from India, his daughter and relatives were with him.

Raila had arrived at Koothattukulam in Kerala’s Ernakulam district for Ayurvedic treatment. 

The 80-year-old had arrived in India six days ago for treatment, attracting nationwide attention as conflicting reports on his health began circulating.

Speaking at an ODM event on Thursday, October 9, Raila’s brother Oburu Odinga, had confirmed that his brother was indeed sick and receiving treatment, noting that he was on the path of recovery. 

He, however, dismissed speculations that the former Prime Minister was gravely sick, clarifying that Odinga only suffered a slight illness which forced him to seek medical attention abroad.

“I want to take this opportunity to clarify this, there have been a lot of rumours about our party leader, Raila Odinga, that he is very sick, that he is almost dying and that he is completely out,” Oburu noted.

Adding: “But I want to tell you that he is out and about, and he is just like any other human being who was indisposed a little, and he is now recuperating and resting, but he was not in those conditions alleged.”

More to follow…