Indian doctor recounts efforts to save Raila’s life
A senior cardiologist at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India, has revealed the desperate final efforts by doctors to save former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, who collapsed and later died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
Raila, aged 80, reportedly collapsed during a morning walk within the premises of the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in Koothattukulam, where he had been receiving holistic treatment for several days.
According to the hospital, Raila was accompanied by his daughter Winnie Odinga, sister Ruth Odinga, his personal doctor, and Kenyan and Indian security personnel when he suddenly slumped mid-walk.
“He was rushed to a nearby private hospital but was declared dead,”
said Krishnan M, Additional Superintendent of Police in Ernakulam, Kerala.
Inside the Emergency Room Battle
A cardiologist at Devamatha Hospital, speaking to The Associated Press, confirmed that the ODM leader suffered a heart attack and detailed the intensive emergency procedures carried out in a bid to revive him.
“Raila Amollo, 80 years old and former Kenyan Prime Minister, was brought to our emergency department after collapsing during a morning walk. CPR had already been initiated before arrival,” the doctor stated.
Medical teams continued CPR, performed emergency intubation, and later transferred him to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for advanced cardiac life support.
“Initially, there was no pulse or measurable blood pressure. After intubation and continued CPR, a faint heart rhythm appeared on the monitor, showing ST elevation and regional wall motion abnormalities, indicating reduced movement in the left anterior descending artery,” she explained.
Underlying Health Conditions
The doctors disclosed that Raila had a history of diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, right lower-limb deep vein thrombosis, and had an inferior vena cava filter in place. He had also recently suffered a thin subdural hematoma.
A neurosurgeon from the Ayurvedic facility accompanied him to Devamatha Hospital and advised on thrombolysis, a procedure aimed at dissolving potential blood clots in the coronary arteries. Despite continuous resuscitation efforts, the team could not revive him.
“Despite our very sincere and continuous efforts with CPR and other advanced measures, we could not save him. We are deeply sorry to inform you that he is no longer with us,” the hospital said in an official statement.
The doctor extended condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family, and the people of Kenya, describing Raila as a “respected African statesman whose legacy will live on.”
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