This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
On July 10, 2020, Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, was set to return to Kenya after undergoing surgery in Dubai. The news of his recovery and impending return was confirmed by his team, including Hassan Joho and Junet Mohamed, who flew in on a luxury private jet.
According to sources, Mr. Odinga had been given a clean bill of health by the medics in Dubai and was ready to return to Kenya. His team, including Governor Joho and Director of Elections Junet Mohamed, had traveled to Dubai to meet with him and ensure his safe return.
Mr. Odinga's return comes as the country awaits the final report of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and its implementation. The ODM leader had asked Kenyans to brace themselves for a referendum as the way to ensure full implementation of the recommendations of the report.
Mr. Odinga's hospitalization was first confirmed by his elder brother, Dr. Oburu Oginga, who revealed that the ODM leader had undergone a minor surgical operation on his back at a German hospital in Dubai.
"Jakom (Raila) 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's okay," Dr. Oginga said.
