This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is set to return to Kenya after undergoing surgery on his back in Dubai, but the exact date of his return remains uncertain.
According to a close family member, Raila is expected to return on Sunday, July 12. However, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Director of Elections, Junet Mohamed, stated that the party leader would return on Wednesday, July 15.
Junet had previously revealed that Raila would return after a week, when he left for Dubai alongside Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho on Thursday, July 9. However, the Party's chairman John Mbadi ruled out a return on Sunday, July 12, stating that Raila might not come back today as reported but any day next week.
Junet shared Raila's message to his fans as he steps up from recovery, allaying any fears that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report would be delayed due to his absence. Raila's message read: 'He says all shall be well and we shall overcome these difficult times we are going through. If the President is available BBI can continue. It cannot delay because it is also the President's project.'
Wednesday, July 15, also marks the resumption of local flights in the country, with the Ministry of Transport announcing that when international flights resume on Saturday, August 1, travellers will not be required to quarantine for 14-days.
ODM leader Raila Odinga speaks at Meru BBI rally on February 29, 2020
