DP Kindiki says Raila Odinga is safe, healthy and returning home soon
Their statement follows growing speculation on social media about Odinga’s health, prompting the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party to condemn what it termed as malicious rumours.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Monday assured Kenyans that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is in good health, despite being in India for medical treatment.
Kindiki became the first senior government official to comment publicly on Odinga’s condition after weeks of speculation about the veteran opposition leader’s whereabouts.
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The deputy president, together with media mogul S.K. Macharia, said Odinga is not in any danger and will return to the country soon.
Speaking in Siaya during an empowerment programme attended by top leaders, the two said they had personally spoken to Odinga, who confirmed that he was doing well and that there was no cause for alarm.
Spoken to Raila
Kindiki revealed that he had spoken to the ODM leader in the presence of Siaya Governor James Orengo and Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother.
"Before I came here, I asked for permission. The Prime Minister knows I am here. I have talked to him in the presence of Governor Orengo and Senator Oburu," said Kindiki.
He further assured Kenyans that Odinga was in good spirits and criticised those spreading false reports about his health.
"The Prime Minister is safe and healthy. I have spoken to him, and those wishing him ill are not good people. It is against African tradition to wish anybody ill," Kindiki stated.
Macharia echoed Kindiki’s remarks, saying he had spoken to Odinga several times over the past two days and confirmed that he was in excellent health.
"As of this morning, I spoke to Raila from where he is, and yesterday I also rang him. Raila is very healthy, and in a few days, he will be back here with us," Macharia said.
He added that Odinga had informed him before leaving the country.
"Even when he left, he told me, this is my family," Macharia stated.
Speculation on social media
Their statements follow growing speculation on social media about Odinga’s health, prompting the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party to condemn what it termed as malicious rumours.
The latest reassurance comes just days after Senator Oburu Oginga also confirmed that Raila is recovering in India after being slightly indisposed.
Speaking to the media, Oburu dismissed reports that Raila was in critical condition, terming them exaggerated and inaccurate.
"I want to tell you that Raila is up and about. Just like any other human being, he was indisposed a little and is now recuperating and resting," Oburu said.
He clarified that Odinga’s condition was not as serious as some media reports suggested.
"He was not in those conditions that have been put in the press. I want to clarify that, and very soon you will see him," he added.
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