This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has undergone surgery in the United Arab Emirates to treat a nerve disorder affecting one of his legs, according to his family.
Speaking to The Standard on June 30, 2020, Raila's wife Ida Odinga revealed that the surgery was successful but noted that her husband needed more time to recover.
“He is in the United Arab Emirates-Dubai based International Hospital run by Germans. He has been successfully treated of a mild nerve disorder affecting one leg and not what has been alleged,” she said.
Ida Odinga also dismissed speculation surrounding Raila's health, urging Kenyans to treat such rumors with contempt and abhorrence.
“Treat such rumours with utmost contempt and abhorrence. It’s not right to speculate on someone’s health,” she told The Standard.
The family also downplayed claims that Raila would be returning to the country in a week, citing the challenges of chartering a plane due to the lack of commercial flights.
“You know that currently there are no commercial flights. This means that if he is to come back, we have to charter a plane. But that process will be kicked off once he fully recovers,” Ms Odinga added.
