R.I.P!!! Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has Died

Veteran Kenyan politician Raila Amolo Odinga, a towering figure in the country’s political history and a long-time champion of democracy, has died. He was 80 years old. 

He passed away on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in India. Indian publications are alleging that the late politician died of cardiac arrest in Kerala

Raila, who had arrived at Koothattukulam in Kerala's Ernakulam district for Ayurvedic treatment, died on Wednesday following a cardiac arrest, police and hospital authorities said.

Odinga collapsed during a morning walk within the premises of the Ayurvedic facility and was rushed to a private hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead around 9.52 am(Indian time), a spokesman for the Ayurvedic eye hospital said.

His body is currently kept at the hospital, police said.

His sad passing comes amid speculations that he was in critical condition. 

His family had earlier on come out to strongly defend him, insisting that he was in good spirits and recuperating well.

In recent weeks, the silence surrounding Raila’s public appearances had become a source of intense speculation across Kenya.

The Backdrop of Absence

A few weeks ago the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) repeatedly denied that its leader is ill or incapacitated, dismissing such rumours as political fabrications.

Last week, Ida Odinga also stepped forward, assuring Kenyans that Raila was “healthy and fine” and urging them to ignore false narratives.

But persistent questions remained. Oburu Odinga, Raila’s brother and Siaya Senator, acknowledged that Raila had been unwell and travelled abroad — though he insisted the condition was not life-threatening.

These developments had fueled online speculation and conspiracy theories, the most extreme of which now suggest that the rumours of death are intended to pave the way for a quiet transition inside ODM.

More to follow...