This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been flown out of the country for medical treatment, with sources confirming he underwent a minor surgical operation on his back in Dubai on Sunday, June 21.
According to a report by Daily Nation, Raila was checked into a German facility for the procedure, which was not considered a serious health issue.
Confirming Raila's trip, his family spokesperson Oburu Odinga stated that the former premier 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 said.
Oburu also refuted rumors that Raila had traveled to China for treatment, citing the Covid-19 pandemic and related restrictions as the reason for his absence from the Asian country this year.
“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,” Oburu added.
Despite initial speculation, Raila's family has confirmed that he is active on their family WhatsApp group and periodically updates them on his condition.
