Kenyan newspapers review: Raila's sister Ruth discloses his final moments, how he died

The final days of prominent Kenyan politician Raila Odinga have been revealed, painting a picture of optimism cut short by a sudden turn of ...

The final days of prominent Kenyan politician Raila Odinga have been revealed, painting a picture of optimism cut short by a sudden turn of events. News outlets have detailed his activities in India, where he was receiving medical treatment, and the immediate aftermath of his passing.

Ruth Odinga, Raila's younger sister and the Kisumu woman representative, shared insights into his final moments. She recounted that Raila was in good spirits and anticipating his return to Kenya on Thursday, October 16th. He was staying at a resort with close family members following a medical checkup, not in a hospital as some reports suggested. Pictures taken in India earlier that week showed him relaxed and comfortable.

According to Ruth, Raila had made significant progress and was looking forward to returning home. "We were not even at the hospital; we were just at a resort where we were staying ahead of our return on Thursday, October 16. He was just okay, he was doing his normal walk and we were supposed to come back," she stated.

On the morning of his passing, Raila went for his usual walk at around 8:30 am. "He did not collapse. He simply sat down and said he was feeling tired. After assuming it was simply exhaustion from the walk, we called for an ambulance," Ruth explained. He was then rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Kerala. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he passed away at 9:52 am.

Further details emerged regarding the attempts to save Raila's life. Dr. Alphons, a cardiologist at Devamatha Hospital, said that Raila was admitted at approximately 8:30 am (6 am Kenyan time). Before his arrival at the hospital, his personal aide, Maurice Ogolla, and his doctor performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

"He didn't have a pulse or detectable blood pressure when he was admitted. The patient remained unconscious even after we tried other available measures and continued CPR," Dr. Alphons explained. Doctors briefly detected a weak pulse in the intensive care unit, but his condition deteriorated rapidly. The doctor also confirmed that Raila had a history of kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, and deep vein thrombosis.

The news of Raila's death triggered widespread grief across Kenya. Upon the return of his remains, mourners gathered in hotels and public spaces to pay their respects. The atmosphere was somber, with many businesses closed and a general sense of loss pervading the nation.

In Kisumu and Bondo, Siaya, residents mourned the loss of their son, singing Luo dirges as his body, draped in the Kenyan flag, was received. Many gathered at his father's homestead, Kang'o ka Jaramogi, where he will be laid to rest, and at his Opoda Farm. In Mombasa, residents lit candles at Uhuru Gardens along Moi Avenue and organized street processions in his honor.

In the wake of Raila's passing, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party moved to ensure stability and continuity. The ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) convened in Nairobi to address the leadership vacuum and chart a path forward. In a move aimed at maintaining unity and direction within the party, Raila's elder brother, Oburu Oginga, was appointed as the interim party leader.

Oburu, who turned 82 on the day of his brother's death, will serve as the party's head until a permanent replacement is selected by the ODM's highest decision-making bodies. The NEC emphasized that this decision was driven by the need for stability, unity, and continuity during this period of national mourning and transition within the party.