Indian Doctors Who Treated Raila Odinga Arrive in Kenya to Pay Final Respects

Doctors from Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Hospital in Kerala, India, have landed in Kenya to honor the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The medical team, which had been treating Raila in recent years, arrived alongside his daughter, Rosemary Odinga, and was welcomed in Mombasa by Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir, who also serves as the ODM Deputy Party Leader.

Governor Nassir shared the news through his official X account, expressing the deep admiration many still hold for the late leader. “They are in Kenya to pay their final respects to a man whose life and legacy transcended borders. The global outpouring of love for Baba is a reflection of his extraordinary journey; one defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice and humanity,” he wrote.

Why Were Indian Ayurvedic Doctors So Important to Raila’s Treatment?

Raila Odinga sought care at Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Hospital for multiple long-term health conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes. His treatment followed years of physical strain and injuries endured throughout his political career. The hospital, located in Kerala, is known globally for its expertise in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on natural healing and restoring balance in the body.

Ayurveda operates on the belief that the human body is made up of three fundamental energies: Vata (air), Pit (fire), and Kapha (water). For good health, these three must remain balanced. Ayurvedic treatment uses a mix of herbal medicine, dietary therapy, massage, yoga, and meditation to restore harmony and promote overall wellness.

What Happened to Raila in India?

Raila Odinga had been undergoing Ayurvedic therapy when he passed away at a private hospital in Kerala State at the age of 80. His passing not only marked the end of an era in Kenyan politics but also triggered a wave of international tributes from leaders and citizens alike.

The arrival of his Indian doctors in Kenya underscores the personal connections Raila built beyond politics. For them, and for millions across Africa and Asia, Raila’s life represented resilience and hope, values that continue to inspire people far beyond Kenya’s borders.

By Lucky Anyanje