By Our Writer
Nairobi
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died in India after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala, police and hospital officials confirmed Wednesday.
Odinga, 80, is alleged to have collapsed during a morning walk within the premises of an Ayurvedic eye hospital in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district.
Reports say he was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead at around 9:52 a.m., according to hospital spokesperson Dr. Ramesh Pillai.
“He was brought in unresponsive, and despite all resuscitation efforts, we could not revive him,” Dr. Pillai said.
Local police confirmed that Odinga’s body is currently being preserved at the hospital’s mortuary pending further arrangements by Kenyan authorities and his family.
Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics and one of the country’s most influential opposition leaders, had arrived in Kerala earlier this week for specialized Ayurvedic therapy reportedly aimed at managing age-related complications.
The five-time presidential contender and veteran statesman was widely regarded as a key architect of Kenya’s democratic transition and reconciliation efforts following years of political turmoil.
Kenya’s High Commission in New Delhi is coordinating with Indian authorities on the repatriation of his remains.
Do you want to share a story, comment or opinion regarding this story or others, Email us at newsdayuganda@gmail.com Tel/WhatsApp........0726054858