Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has died after cardiac failure while taking a morning walk in Kochi, India. Odinga, who contested for presidency in Kenya for five times, travelled recently to India for treatment.

According to media reports, he died at 9am an Ayurvedic eye hospital-cum-research centre, which is located at Koothattukulam in Ernakulam district of Kerala on Wednesday, October 15, 2025). He was 80.

Odinga had been receiving medical care at the facility for the past five days in the company of his personal doctor and daughter, Rosemary.

A towering figure in Kenya's political landscape since late 70s, Odinga lost all five presidential campaigns he mounted in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022, with two of the polls spiraling into bloodlettings, deadly protests and chaotic outcomes.

However, he remains pivotal player in the history of Kenya's democracy having played a vital role in the establishment of multiparty democracy in 1991 and the birth of a new constitution in 2010.

Earlier in 2007, the disputed outcome of his presidential run led deadly protests that saw the country descend into one of its darkest period since independence, leaving over 1,300 people killed, and hundreds of thousands uprooted from their homes especially in the Rift Valley.

In recent weeks, Raila has been through episodes of ill health, which saw him travel outside of the country for treatment. His elder brother Senator Oburu Odinga, informed the nation that Raila was in India, putting to rest rumors on media circles which were awash with speculations that he's critical.

“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.

His party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party also officially dismissed speculations that he was unwell, accusing political rivals of misinformation.

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