Activist and ODM youth leader Kasmuel McOure has revealed that Rosemary Odinga, the daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is highly celebrated and respected in India.

Speaking during an interview on the Iko Nini podcast aired on Friday, October 24, 2025, Kasmuel explained that many Kenyans are unaware of the level of admiration Indians have for Rosemary. According to him, her story became a major point of pride in India following the successful surgery that restored her eyesight.

Rosemary had sought treatment in several countries before finally undergoing a revolutionary eye procedure in India that helped her regain her vision.

This medical breakthrough not only transformed her life but also became a case study and source of inspiration within India’s medical community.

Kasmuel noted that the Indian public and medical professionals often reference Rosemary’s story as a testimony of hope and medical excellence. Her case was even highlighted by international health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) as an example of successful advanced medical intervention.

“Rosemary Odinga is a big deal in India; they even used her reductive surgery as a testimony, and part of what they are proud of is something that many people locally don’t know, even the World Health Organisation (WHO) used her as an example,” Kasmuel stated.

Odinga’s connection with India

Kasmuel went on to emphasise that India holds a very special place in the Odinga family’s history. Despite it being Raila Odinga’s final resting place, he revealed that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had once lived in India for three months, a period that greatly influenced his outlook and connection to the country.

Kasmuel further noted that Raila’s strong ties with India were evident even in his later years, citing his support for the proposed Adani Group takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which he championed due to his belief in India’s growing global influence and economic strength.

Who will succeed Raila?

These come a day after Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale dismissed ongoing talks between Raila Junior and Winnie Odinga, who might be the possible political heir of his father, saying that although each holds higher chances, the late had settled on Rosemary Odinga, were it not for the illness.

“Like I can comfortably, without fear of contradiction, confirm to Kenyans that Baba’s choice amongst his children for who would succeed him after Fidel died, Raila told Rosemary to prepare to become the MP of Kibra. Raila Junior was not winning. And I took her to Kibra in her maiden rally at Kamkunji Grounds, which is very symbolic in the Kibra constituency.” Khalwale said.