Why Mombasa Residents Will Get Free Medical Services Throughout October

Mombasa residents will not have to incur expenses in health facilities across the country throughout October.

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir announced the foregoing on Friday, October 2, in a move he says honours the late Raila Odinga.

The governor noted that the county government will waive charges for services across its public health facilities for the whole month, which he has designated 'Mwezi wa Baba'.

Announcing the initiative, he said the month was set aside to remember ODM's founding party leader, the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, and to renew commitment to the values he stood for.

"This month is Mwezi wa Baba, a time to remember our Founding Party Leader, the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, and to recommit ourselves to the ideals he stood for: dignity, equality, social justice, and a government that puts ordinary people first," the governor said.

Nassir said the waiver was the county's way of honouring the former prime minister's memory through direct service to residents.

"In his honour, I am pleased to announce that throughout the month of October, the County Government of Mombasa will offer free services across all our county health facilities," he said.

He suggested the decision as a practical expression of Raila's political philosophy rather than a symbolic gesture alone.

"There can be no more fitting tribute to Baba than translating the values he championed into service that touches the lives of our people directly," the governor said.

The governor echoed the theme around Raila's first anniversary, noting that "Baba believed in people. We honour him by serving them."

Raila died aged 80 on October 15, 2025, while on a medical trip in India.

His death was preceded by a sudden cardiac arrest during his morning walk, which left him collapsed and struggling to breathe.

He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital, where doctors found no heartbeat on arrival. Despite immediate ICU admission, insertion of an endotracheal tube, and extensive resuscitation efforts, the 80‑year‑old succumbed during treatment.

Medical examinations revealed he had diabetes, kidney complications, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in his right leg, and a history of fainting.

Emergency procedures included CPR, insertion of an IVC filter to monitor clots, injections, and thrombolysis to dissolve any blockages.

His body was flown back to Kenya aboard an iconic Kenya Airways flight, arriving at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on October 16.  

In Raila's honour, President William Ruto sanctioned a state funeral with full military honours, describing the late as a statesman and patriot who dedicated his life to the nation.

The country observed seven days of mourning, with flags at half‑mast until burial.

On October 19, Raila was laid to rest, concluding the state‑led ceremonies.

The Kenya Defence Forces honoured him with a 17‑gun salute, marking a solemn farewell to a leader remembered for his lifelong commitment to Kenya’s wellbeing.