Raila Odinga’s younger sister and Kisumu Woman Representative, Ruth Odinga, has clarified the events leading to the former Prime Minister’s death in India, dismissing reports that he collapsed.
Speaking on Wednesday evening, Ruth said Raila was in good spirits and looking forward to returning to Kenya on Thursday. “He didn’t collapse. He just said he was feeling a little tired and sat down,” Ruth explained. “We thought it was just fatigue from the walk and then called for an ambulance.”
According to her, Raila, 80, was not admitted to hospital at the time but was staying at a resort with close family members, including his youngest daughter Winnie Odinga, after undergoing a routine medical checkup.
An ambulance was later called, and Raila was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, where doctors tried to resuscitate him without success. He was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m. Indian time.
Medical reports from the hospital indicated that Raila had been receiving treatment for diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Indian media outlets also noted that he was recuperating from a mild stroke suffered earlier in Kenya.
Raila’s body arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning, where it was received by family, government officials, and mourners.
Before his passing, Raila’s health had been a subject of public speculation. His elder brother, Senator Oburu Odinga, had assured Kenyans last week that he was “up and about,” dismissing claims that he was in critical condition.
As Kenya mourns, tributes continue to pour in for a man whose political life symbolized resilience, reform, and democracy. Raila Odinga’s legacy as a tireless champion for justice and national unity will remain etched in Kenya’s history.
