This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been flown to Dubai for a minor surgical operation on his back, according to his family spokesperson Oburu Odinga.
On June 21, Raila was flown out of the country for treatment, sparking rumors of a serious health condition or a trip to China.
However, Oburu Odinga confirmed on June 24 that Raila was not in any serious health condition but was being monitored.
"Jakom is out of the country for a minor surgical operation on his back. It is not a serious health issue but just a minor one. So he is okay," Oburu stated.
Oburu also refuted rumors of Raila's trip to China, citing the Covid-19 pandemic and the 14-day quarantine requirement as reasons why Raila could not have traveled to the country.
"He is not in China. The last time he was there I think was in December last year before the Coronavirus pandemic. Right now, if you want to get there, you must be ready for a 14-day quarantine. That is not tenable so there is no way he could have gone there," he added.
Another family member confirmed that Raila was active on the family Whatsapp and periodically updating them on his condition.
Earlier, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Philip Etale had claimed that Raila had flown to Kinshasa, DRC, for official duties as the AU envoy.
However, Oburu Odinga's confirmation has effectively put speculations about Raila's trip to China to bed.
