- Siaya senator Oburu Oginga broke his silence, confirming that his brother Raila Odinga had been unwell but was now recovering
- Raila’s prolonged absence from public events had sparked widespread rumours about his health and location
- Oburu revealed that the ODM leader was resting in India after a brief illness, dismissing reports of a serious condition
- The senator assured supporters that Raila was recuperating and would return home soon to resume his public engagements
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Siaya – Senator Oburu Oginga has ended days of speculation over the health of his younger brother, Raila Odinga.
Source: Facebook
For days, Raila’s absence from the public eye had fueled a storm of speculation, with some of his close allies remaining tight-lipped about his health and whereabouts.
The silence gave room to misinformation, forcing his wife, Ida Odinga, to speak out earlier in the week.
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Ida dismissed the claims, saying her husband was taking time off from public engagements to rest and recharge after a long and busy political season.
Her statement, however, did little to stop the rumours, with many Kenyans continuing to question why Raila, a figure known for his consistent public appearances, had been away for so long.
Was Raila sick?
However, days after Ida’s affirmation, Oburu has stated that the former premier had been ailing but is on the mend.
During a political event in Siaya, the veteran politician explained that his brother, just like any mortal, had been taken ill.
The lawmaker explained that Raila was already back on his feet after what he suggested was a small health setback.
“I just wanted also to take this opportunity to clarify the air. There has been a lot of rumours about our party leader, Raila Amollo Odinga, that he is very sick, that he is almost dying, that he is completely out. But I want to tell you that Raila is up and about, and he only, just like any other human being, was indisposed a little. He is now recuperating and resting,” Oburu stated
Where is Raila receiving treatment?
He further stated that the former premier was in India, contradicting reports that Raila was in one of the Gulf states.
Source: Twitter
Oburu shut down the rumours on the severity of Raila’s condition, stating that it wasn’t as serious as some Kenyans had projected online.
“But he was not in those conditions which have been put in the press. I want to clarify that air and I want to tell you that very soon we will see him back home again. So, that is something which I wanted to clarify. And I also want to tell you that he is in India,” Oburu said.
When will Raila return to Kenya?
Amid the reports on Raila’s well-being, digital strategist Pauline Njoroge confirmed that she spoke by phone with ODM leader, saying he is in good health and in high spirits.
She described the call as warm and lively, noting that Raila laughed heartily and assured her he would return to Nairobi soon after some rest.
Njoroge also emphasised that despite political divides, respect across leaders, such as for Raila and former president Uhuru Kenyatta, is possible.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
