Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya and one of Africa’s most influential political leaders, passed away on Wednesday morning in Koothattukulam, Kerala, after suffering a massive heart attack during his morning walk. He was 80.

Odinga, who was in Kerala for Ayurvedic treatment, collapsed around 6:30 a.m. and was rushed to the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. His body has been kept at Deva Matha Hospital in Koothattukulam.

Arriving in the state six days ago with his daughter and close family members, Odinga had been undergoing therapy and maintaining a routine of morning walks.

A towering figure in Kenyan politics for over four decades, Odinga served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, steering the nation through post-election turmoil and constitutional reforms. Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, he contested several presidential elections and was known for his steadfast advocacy of democracy, reconciliation, and social justice.

Officials from the Kenyan Embassy in New Delhi are coordinating with Kerala authorities for the repatriation of his body. Kenyan communities and local leaders expressed deep sorrow at his sudden demise.

Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya and one of Africa’s most influential political leaders, passed away on Wednesday morning in Koothattukulam, Kerala, after suffering a massive heart attack during his morning walk. He was 80.

Odinga, who was in Kerala for Ayurvedic treatment, collapsed around 6:30 a.m. and was rushed to the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. His body has been kept at Deva Matha Hospital in Koothattukulam.

Arriving in the state six days ago with his daughter and close family members, Odinga had been undergoing therapy and maintaining a routine of morning walks.

A towering figure in Kenyan politics for over four decades, Odinga served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, steering the nation through post-election turmoil and constitutional reforms. Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, he contested several presidential elections and was known for his steadfast advocacy of democracy, reconciliation, and social justice.

Officials from the Kenyan Embassy in New Delhi are coordinating with Kerala authorities for the repatriation of his body. Kenyan communities and local leaders expressed deep sorrow at his sudden demise.