It has now emerged that former Prime Minister Raila passed away due to cardiac arrest.

According to mathrubhumi.com, an Indian outlet, Raila collapsed during a morning walk on Wednesday at 8:30 am, within the premises of the Ayurvedic facility.

It was reported that CPR was administered by the medical team on-site

He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead around 9.52 am Indian Time. He was aged 80.

This was confirmed by a spokesman for the Ayurvedic eye hospital.

Raila had been receiving treatment in Kochi, India.

He had been admitted to the facility for rest and recovery following a mild stroke he suffered in Kenya.

The hospital spokesman said Raila and his family had been visiting the hospital, which had earlier helped his daughter, Rosemary, regain her vision.

A police officer told the foreign press that information regarding Raila’s death had been conveyed to the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) for necessary procedures as per protocol.

The nation is awaiting an address by President William Ruto.

Recently, Raila experienced episodes of ill health, which led to his travel for treatment.

Earlier on, his elder brother, Senator Oburu Odinga, confirmed that Raila was recuperating in India after a brief period of illness, putting to rest rumors of critical or terminal conditions.

These health episodes were described as normal human ailments, with Oburu emphasising that Raila was stable, recovering well, and would soon return to Kenya.

“I want to tell you that Raila is up and about. Just like any other human being, he was indisposed a little and is now recuperating and resting,” Oburu said.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party also officially dismissed rumors that had been widely circulated, accusing political rivals of spreading misinformation to damage its image and undermine his political influence.

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The party’s secretariat and Raila’s family made deliberate efforts to maintain his privacy regarding health matters, noting that although his health is not perfect, it does not impede his activism or involvement in national unity efforts.

As tributes pour in from across the globe, Raila Odinga is remembered not just as a statesman but as a symbol of resistance, hope, and transformation. His legacy will continue to shape Kenya’s democratic journey for generations to come.

Despite occasional hospital visits, including complex procedures like the brain fluid drainage in Dubai several years earlier and minor back surgery, the overarching message from his close allies has been one of strength and continuity.