- Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15
- Details have now emerged about Raila’s final moments before his death at Devamatha Hospital
- Already, Indian authorities have alerted the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to begin repatriation procedures as per protocol
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi – News about former prime minister Raila Odinga’s untimely death continues to trigger widespread reactions across the country.
Source: Getty Images
There had been speculations about Raila’s health after he travelled to India for treatment.
Close family members had previously assured the country that the former prime minister was in good health.
What killed Raila Odinga?
However, Kenyans on Wednesday, October 15, woke up to the sad news about the ODM leader’s death.
According to mathrubhumi.com, an Indian outlet, the former prime minister passed away while undergoing treatment in Kochi, India.
Raila experienced breathing difficulties and collapsed at 7.45 am during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic hospital where he had been receiving care.
The ODM leader was rushed to Devamatha Hospital, but his health deteriorated and doctors were unable to save his life.
Doctors at Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam confirmed that Odinga suffered a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m. (Indian Time).
“He was brought in unresponsive, and despite our best efforts, we could not revive him,” the hospital confirmed in a presser.
His body is currently being preserved at the facility as formalities are handled.
Odinga had travelled to India with his daughter Rosemary Odinga, who was receiving Ayurvedic treatment at Sreedhareeyam Hospital, the same facility that had previously helped her regain partial eyesight.
Indian authorities have alerted the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to begin repatriation procedures as per protocol.
Who will bring Raila Odinga’s body home?
In the course of his proclamation, the president charged a delegation of government officials to accompany the bereaved family to India to organise for the repatriation of Raila’s remains.
The team will be stewarded by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Others in the team will be Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Mining CS Hassan Joho, National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, minority leader Junet Mohamed and members of the family, led by Siaya senator Oburu Oginga, who is Raila’s elder brother, and the now widowed Mama Ida Odinga.
Ruto revealed that the repatriation of Raila’s body to Kenya will be facilitated by the Indian government.
More to follow…
Source: TUKO.co.ke
