This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
Former National Super Alliance CEO Norman Magaya has come out to defend the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) against claims of neglect. The allegations were made by an opposition blogger, Dikembe Disembe, who claimed that ODM had failed to execute an order by opposition leader Raila Odinga to foot Mr Magaya's medical bills.
Mr Magaya, who collapsed in August 2017 at the national tallying centre in Bomas of Kenya during the tabulation of presidential votes after the general election, has been suffering from a recurrent heart condition for the past four months.
He took to Twitter to set the record straight, explaining his condition and defending the Nasa coalition and ODM party. 'I have had a recurrent heart condition for the past four months and been admitted in hospital on three occasions latest being last week. On all occasions both the coalition leadership and the @TheODMparty have stood with me,' tweeted Mr Magaya.
He was forced to respond after Disembe posted a thread on Twitter claiming that he had been poisoned at Bomas of Kenya. The blogger added that even though Mr Odinga had directed Orange to take up his health matter, that was not done.
Mr Magaya is not alone in his plight, as the ODM party has also come out to support him. 'The ODM Party is aware that Nasa CEO Norman Magaya has been unwell. We continue to support him in every possible way and wish him quick recovery. Every request for support has been dealt with as and when received by the party,' tweeted ODM party through their handle.
The exchange generated a number of reactions from Kenyans online, with many offering their support to the ailing Nasa executive.
