India (KAAB TV) – Raila Amolo Odinga, one of Kenya’s most prominent political figures, has passed away at the age of 80. His death was confirmed on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while he was in India for medical treatment.
Circumstances of His Death
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Odinga had been receiving treatment at Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Kerala, India, after having travelled there earlier in October
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On the morning of October 15, while on a walk within the hospital grounds in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district, he collapsed. He reportedly experienced breathing difficulties.
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He was rushed to a nearby private hospital (Devamatha Hospital) but was pronounced dead around 9:52 a.m. local time.
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Indian police and hospital authorities confirmed that he suffered a cardiac arrest.
His Life and Political Legacy
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Born in 1945 (making him 80 at time of death), Raila Odinga had a long and storied political career.
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He served as Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 to 2013.
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He was a leading opposition figure and ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times (1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2022).
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Raila advocated for democratic reforms, human rights, constitutional change, and was instrumental in important moments in Kenya’s political history, including the promulgation of a new constitution in 2010.
Recent Developments Before His Death
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In March 2025, Odinga entered into a political pact with President William Ruto, integrating his opposition party Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into government policy-making and securing cabinet positions for members of his party.
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Earlier in the year, he had sought election to become Chairperson of the African Union Commission, but was defeated by Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti.