President William Ruto with his deputy, Kithure Kindiki and Raila's elder brother Senator Oburu Odinga at State House Nairobi on October 15, 2025/PCS
The Indian government will facilitate the repatriation of the body of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
President William Ruto made the revelation during his during to the nation Wednesday afternoon from State House.
Raila died Wednesday morning at a private hospital in Koothattukulam in Ernakulam district of Kerala in India.
“The government of India, at the request of the government of Kenya, has offered to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of our former prime minister,” Ruto announced.
To help in the process, Ruto said a delegation comprising government officials and family members will be leaving for India.
The team, he said, will be led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi among some other Cabinet Secretaries and family members.
Raila is said to have suffered a cardiac failure around 8am during his morning walk at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic eye hospital-cum-research centre in Koothattukulam, where he had been under treatment for the last five days.
Raila collapsed during a morning walk within the premises of the Ayurvedic facility and was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead around 9.52 am, a spokesman for the Ayurvedic eye hospital said.
His body is currently kept at the hospital, police said.
A police officer said that information regarding Raila's death had been conveyed to the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) for necessary procedures as per protocol.
Raila who died at age 80 served as the country’s prime minister from 2008 to 2013.
He has unsuccessfully run for president five times- in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned Raila saying he was 'deeply saddened' by the passing of his longtime friend, whom he first met during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
“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,” he said.
Modi said Raila had a special affection for India, our culture, values and ancient wisdom.
“This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties,” he stated.
“He particularly admired Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems of India, having witnessed their positive impact on his daughter's health.”
