Kochi, Kerala:  A Guard of Honour was accorded to former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga at Kochi Airport on Thursday, following his sudden demise a day earlier. Odinga, 80, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest in Koothattukulam, Ernakulam district.

According to hospital authorities, Odinga collapsed during a morning walk within the premises of the Ayurvedic facility and was immediately rushed to Devamatha Hospital, where he was declared dead at 9:52 am.

Odinga had been visiting the Ayurvedic eye hospital with his family, which had earlier helped his daughter regain her vision.

At Kochi Airport, his daughter Winnie Odinga, sister Ruth Odinga, and other family members were present during the Guard of Honour as they paid their final respects before the body was flown back to Kenya.

Odinga was a towering figure in Kenyan politics, having served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. He also ran for the presidency five times—in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022.