This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has returned to Kenya after a three-week medical stay in Dubai, where he underwent minor surgery.
According to multiple sources close to the leader, Mr Odinga made a quiet return to the country on Sunday evening aboard the luxurious Constellation Aviation Airline Airbus A318-112(CJ) Elite A6-CAS, MS4211.
The 10-year-old UAE-registered Airbus A318 private jet, which seats 19 passengers, landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Sunday evening at 9:49 PM, having left the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai at 5:13pm on the same day.
Interestingly, the jet was scheduled for a trip to Zambia but was diverted to Nairobi, according to multiple aircraft tracking sites.
Mr Odinga's return comes after his brother, Dr Oburu Oginga, earlier told the Nation that the opposition leader was admitted to a German hospital in Dubai for a minor surgical operation on his back.
“Mr Odinga was admitted to 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 Oburu Oginga said.
The Airbus A318 private jet, which boasts mahogany interiors, an entourage lounge, VIP dining and lounge area, a private office, and a VIP bedroom, is operated by Constellation Aviation Airline, a UAE-based company that offers premium VIP private jet charter services.
According to the company's website, the aircraft is designed to make clients feel right at home during long flights.
Mr Odinga was accompanied by ODM deputy party leader and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, minority whip Junet Mohamed, and Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Ibrahim Khatri.
