Koothattukulam, Kerala : Former Kenyan Prime Minister and one of Africa’s most influential and enduring political figures, Raila Amolo Odinga, has passed away in the South Indian state of Kerala. Odinga, 80, died following a sudden cardiac arrest while on a morning walk in Koothattukulam, a town in the Ernakulam district, on Tuesday, October 15, 2025.
Sources confirm that the veteran politician was undertaking a health-related visit to the region, which is renowned for its traditional Ayurvedic and wellness centers. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to a nearby medical facility.
The news has sent shockwaves across Kenya and the continent, where Odinga was revered as a father of modern Kenyan democracy. His decades-long career saw him serve as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and lead the opposition for many years. He was a perennial presidential candidate whose political battles shaped the nation’s history.
Odinga’s death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics. Tributes are expected to pour in from world leaders, recognizing his commitment to multi-party democracy and his tireless efforts for political reforms in East Africa. Arrangements for the repatriation of his body are reportedly underway, with officials from the Kenyan High Commission in India coordinating with local authorities and his family.
