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A Cardiologist at Devamatha Hospital in Kochi, India, has revealed underlying health conditions that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was battling before his death.
According to Cardiologist Dr Sister Alphons, Raila was battling various diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and a right lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
She explained that the medical team at the facility observed significant swelling in Odinga’s lower right leg and learned from his personal physician that he had a history of diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.
Odinga had previously been treated for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the same leg and had an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter inserted.
His condition worsened after he collapsed during a morning walk and could not be revived despite extensive CPR efforts. Dr Sr Alphons said Raila was brought to the facility’s emergency unit at around 8:20 am (Indian Time) after collapsing during his routine morning walk near an Ayurvedic hospital close to Devamatha Hospital where he was receiving treatment.
“He was brought to our emergency medicine department with the history of a sudden collapse during his morning walk. His doctor and security team had already initiated CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) before arrival,” she said.
Unfortunately, no pulse or measurable blood pressure was detected even upon palpation, and he was moved to the ICU where doctors briefly detected a heart rhythm.
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“Upon arrival, we continued active CPR, performed emergency intubation to secure the airway, and transferred him to the ICU with full medical support. After stabilizing him with IV fluids, we administered an injection to dissolve any possible clot in the coronary arteries,” Dr. Phons added.
Just days earlier, doctors had identified a small subdural hematoma — bleeding beneath the skull.
“Recently, he had a thin subdural hematoma, which was detected last Saturday. After consulting with a neurosurgeon in the ICU, we proceeded with a thrombolytic injection and continued CPR from 8:00 a.m. at the other hospital until 9:52 a.m. in our ICU, but unfortunately, we could not revive him,” the cardiologist said.
“We are very sorry to inform that he is no more. Our very sincere condolences and prayers go out to his family and to the people of Kenya.”
At the time of his death, Raila, 80, was in the company of his sister, daughter, and personal doctor.
