By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 8 December 2025 - A renewed debate over the causes of cardiac arrests in Kenya has emerged after a series of sudden deaths, prompting Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo to urge health authorities and research institutions to intensify investigations.
Odhiambo’s remarks, linking the rise in cardiac-related deaths to possible effects of COVID-19 vaccination, have drawn public attention but also highlight the need for evidence-based analysis.
Speaking in Gem Constituency, the legislator said many Kenyans were unsettled by what they perceive as an increase in sudden cardiac deaths since the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.
He argued that institutions such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), together with medical specialists, should clarify whether any relationship exists.
“The deaths of the majority of Kenyans who suffered cardiac arrest could be linked to COVID-19 vaccinations,” Odhiambo said, adding that many citizens were concerned by reports of people collapsing suddenly.
He called for “deeper investigations” to determine the true causes of the deaths and “arrest the situation so that we don’t lose people through cardiac arrests.”
His comments came just days after the sudden death of ODM leader Raila Odinga, who reportedly suffered cardiac arrest.
On Sunday, Festus Amimo, head of Mayienga FM, also died after a similar incident.
Odhiambo said such cases underscored the urgency of thorough medical investigations.
“Today, we mourn Amimo who died suddenly. That is why, in my thinking, I believe as a country we can do better in addressing COVID-19–related effects,” he said.
Public Concern versus Scientific Evidence
While Odhiambo’s remarks reflect genuine public anxiety, health experts globally have emphasised that COVID-19 vaccines are extensively studied, monitored, and considered safe.
No conclusive scientific evidence currently links the vaccines to widespread cardiac arrests. Cardiac arrest can result from a broad range of conditions—including undiagnosed heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, congenital disorders, and lifestyle-related factors.
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Nonetheless, health analysts agree that transparent, data-driven investigations are essential—both to maintain public trust and to ensure emerging health patterns are detected early. Calls for expanded surveillance of cardiac events, improved post-mortem reporting, and deeper epidemiological studies could therefore help address gaps in public understanding.
KEMRI and Kenyan cardiologists have previously noted that misinformation about vaccines can spread quickly after high-profile deaths, and the institution has repeatedly urged the public to rely on verified medical findings. Odhiambo’s appeal thus may add pressure on health bodies to release clearer, updated statistics on cardiac mortality trends and any potential contributing factors.
Political Undercurrents
Beyond health concerns, Odhiambo also weighed in on growing political tensions, cautioning fellow leaders against implicating Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omolo in the recent Kasipul by-election violence. Several ODM politicians had suggested that Omolo bore responsibility for chaos witnessed during the poll, which left Kasipul MP George Opondo Kaluma injured.
Odhiambo countered these claims, urging leaders to “embrace peace” and avoid dragging civil servants into partisan disputes.
“Politicians should not drag the name of a civil servant into issues that do not concern them,” he said. “I wonder what politicians stand to gain after soiling the reputation of the Interior PS.”
The ODM party had earlier linked Omolo to fracas reported in Kisii and Migori, though no evidence has been publicly presented.
Looking Ahead
As the country grapples with both political and public-health unease, experts suggest that clear communication from health authorities will be crucial.
Whether the perceived rise in cardiac arrests reflects a statistical trend, improved reporting, or unrelated individual medical conditions, only detailed scientific investigation can provide definitive answers.
For now, Odhiambo’s call adds momentum to a growing demand for research transparency—while also reminding political actors to avoid exploiting public fears during a period of national uncertainty.
