Kochi, Oct 16 (NationPress) Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday honored the memory of the late former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who died in the state, on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Indian High Commission in Kenya reported that Odinga's remains were transported from Kochi to Mumbai via a special Indian Air Force aircraft, welcomed by a high-ranking Kenyan delegation. The commission expressed its condolences and solidarity with the bereaved family and the Kenyan government and populace.

In a message shared on X, the High Commission remarked: "Shri Rajendra V Arlekar, Kerala Governor, laid a wreath on behalf of PM Narendra Modi on the remains of former Kenyan Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, in the presence of his daughter, Ms. Winnie Irmgard Odinga, the High Commissioner of Kenya in India, and senior officials from both the Government of India and the State Government of Kerala."

The remains were flown from Kochi to Mumbai by a special Indian Air Force aircraft and received by a high-level delegation from Kenya, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who is also the Cabinet Secretary of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, representing President William Samoei Ruto. The Government of India stands in solidarity with the family of the late leader and with the Kenyan people during this time of mourning.

Previously, PM Modi expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the former Prime Minister, who died at the age of 80 in Koothattukulam, Kerala, following a heart attack during his morning walk.

Referring to Odinga as a "beloved friend of India," PM Modi reminisced about their encounters during his term as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Odinga was in Kerala for Ayurvedic treatment when he suddenly collapsed and was taken to Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. His body is currently at Deva Matha Hospital, Koothattukulam.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was an influential statesman and a cherished ally of India. I had the honor of knowing him closely since my tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, and our relationship continued through the years."

Odinga had a profound love for India, its culture, values, and ancient wisdom. This was evident in his dedication to fostering India-Kenya relations, especially his admiration for Ayurveda, having witnessed its positive effects on his daughter's health. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the Kenyan people during this difficult time.

Odinga arrived in Koothattukulam with his daughter and close relatives.

He maintained a routine of morning walks and treatment sessions at the hospital.

Local officials noted that the heart attack struck around 6:30 a.m. during his stroll, leading to his emergency transport to the hospital in critical condition.

A significant figure in Kenyan politics for over four decades, Odinga served as the country's Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 during a pivotal era of national reconciliation and constitutional reform.

Renowned for his passionate speeches and grassroots engagement, he was instrumental in shaping contemporary Kenyan democracy.

He played a crucial role in the power-sharing agreement that resolved the post-election violence of 2007–08, emerging as a national leader advocating dialogue and reform.

Odinga was also a longstanding opposition leader and the head of the Orange Democratic Movement.