Raila Odinga’s: What Really happened to the ODM Leader

News of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, has left Kenya and the region in mourning. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader passed away in Kochi, India, where he had been receiving medical care.

According to reports from mathrubhumi.com, Raila collapsed at 7:45 a.m. during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic hospital where he had been undergoing treatment. He was immediately rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam after experiencing severe breathing difficulties. Doctors at the facility confirmed that he suffered a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m. Indian time. “He was brought in unresponsive, and despite our best efforts, we could not revive him,” the hospital said in an official statement. His body has since been preserved at the hospital as authorities coordinate formalities.

What caused Raila Odinga’s death?

Medical officials confirmed that the ODM leader’s cause of death was cardiac arrest. Raila had been in India alongside his daughter, Rosemary Odinga, who was undergoing Ayurvedic treatment at Sreedhareeyam Hospital, the same facility that previously helped her regain partial eyesight.

Indian authorities have already alerted the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to begin repatriation procedures. President William Ruto has appointed a high-level Kenyan delegation to oversee the process, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. The team includes Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Mining CS Hassan Joho, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and members of the Odinga family, among them Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga and Mama Ida Odinga.

Ruto confirmed that the repatriation of Raila’s body is being facilitated by the Indian government, marking the beginning of a national mourning period for one of Kenya’s most iconic political figures.

By Lucky Anyanje