This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been recuperating in Dubai after undergoing a minor surgical operation for a nerve disorder affecting one leg.
According to his family, Odinga is now out of danger but will not be returning to Kenya soon. His wife, Ida Odinga, revealed that he will stay in the United Arab Emirates for some time until he is fit to resume his heavy political activities.
Ida dismissed rumors on social media that Odinga was suffering from other forms of ailments, terming them 'outrageous.' She asked that Kenyans of goodwill should treat him kindly in thought, prayer, and wishes.
Speaking to the Standard, Odinga's brother Oburu confirmed that the surgery was successful and that the Opposition leader will have to stay in Dubai for a little more time.
Oburu stated that Odinga is a busy person given his position in the country's political space and the African Union assignment that involves a lot of traveling. He did not speculate on which day Odinga would return, but it is not likely this week.
On June 19, Odinga's last public engagement was when he received a donation of foodstuffs from officials of the East African Ramgarhia Board's Youth Association at their offices in Pangani for onward distribution to families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Four days earlier, he publicly received his COVID-19 test results from Kemri and informed Kenyans that he was negative. Yesterday, he took to Twitter to congratulate the people of Malawi for electing President Lazarus Chakwera.
