New Delhi, Oct 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a “towering statesman and a cherished friend of India.”
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat and our association continued over the years.”
PM Modi recalled Odinga’s special affection for India, its culture, values, and ancient wisdom, noting his personal admiration for Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems after witnessing their positive impact on his daughter’s health. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and to the people of Kenya in this hour of grief,” the Prime Minister added.
According to hospital authorities, Raila Odinga, 80, passed away on Wednesday morning following cardiac failure while undergoing Ayurvedic treatment at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district, Kerala.
He had been receiving treatment there for the past five days after earlier seeking medical care at a private hospital in Mumbai. Hospital officials said Odinga had been accompanied by his youngest daughter and personal doctor and had shown signs of improvement after undergoing therapy. He reportedly collapsed during his morning walk at around 8 am and was rushed to Devamatha Hospital, where he was declared dead at 9:52 am, reports national media. Odinga had long-standing ties with the Sreedhareeyam facility, where his elder daughter Rosemary Odinga had successfully regained her vision after losing it to optic nerve damage in 2017.
One of Africa’s most prominent political figures, Raila Odinga served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, representing the Langata constituency in Parliament for over two decades and serving as Leader of the Opposition for many years. Hospital authorities said the body would be embalmed and further arrangements would be made in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Kenyan Embassy in New Delhi.
