Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Thursday laid a wreath on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay homage to former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away in Kerala.

The Indian High Commission in Kenya confirmed that Odinga’s mortal remains were flown from Kochi to Mumbai aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft, where a high-level Kenyan delegation received them. The delegation was led by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi, deputed by President William Ruto.

“The Government and people of India stand in solidarity with the family of the late leader and the people of Kenya in this moment of grief,” the Indian High Commission said in a statement on X.

PM Modi earlier expressed deep sorrow over Odinga’s demise, calling him a “towering statesman and a cherished friend of India.” Modi recalled his long association with Odinga dating back to his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister.

“He had a special affection for India, our culture, and Ayurveda. His admiration for India’s traditional medicine was inspired by his daughter’s recovery through Ayurvedic care,” Modi said in his condolence message.

Odinga, 80, suffered a fatal heart attack during his morning walk in Koothattukulam, Kerala, where he was undergoing Ayurvedic treatment at Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre.

A veteran of Kenyan politics, Odinga served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and played a crucial role in national reconciliation following the 2007–08 post-election violence. He led the Orange Democratic Movement and was instrumental in advancing constitutional and democratic reforms in Kenya.

His death marks the passing of one of Africa’s most influential political figures and a lifelong advocate for democracy and dialogue.