[PICTURES] Ruto Leads Leaders in Mourning Raila Odinga at His Karen Home

President William Ruto on Wednesday joined other leaders and family members at the Karen home of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to mourn his death.

The Head of State was accompanied by his Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, among other leaders.

Raila’s supporters also gathered at his homes in Karen and Bondo to pay their respects and mourn his passing.

Odinga, 80, died in India following a heart attack while receiving treatment at the Koothattukulam Sreedhareeyam Ayurveda Hospital in Ernakulam. According to medical officials, he suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk and was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead. His body is currently preserved at the hospital as the family prepares an official statement.

The veteran opposition leader and democracy champion served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government. He ran for the presidency five times — in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 — and remained one of the country’s most influential political figures.

Raila’s death comes just months after his family confirmed that he had travelled to India for medical attention. His elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, had earlier assured the public that Raila was recovering well and dismissed reports that he was critically ill.

“Raila is in India and has been under medical care. He was only slightly indisposed but is recovering well. Very soon, you will see him back,” Oburu said on October 9.

His wife, Ida Odinga, had also dismissed widespread rumours about his health, saying her husband was resting abroad and in good condition.

“He is fine, just resting. How can someone who doesn’t live with him claim to know his health status better than I do?” she said at the time.

Raila was known to frequent the Sreedhareeyam Ayurveda Hospital in Thodupuzha, the same facility where his daughter, Rosemary Odinga, received treatment for eyesight loss caused by a brain tumour.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi once praised Odinga for his resilience and love for family, recalling a past conversation about Rosemary’s recovery journey.