This archive report was first published on 25 December 2019.
On Christmas Day in 2019, Rosemary Odinga, the daughter of ODM party leader Raila Odinga, shared a heartwarming story of her journey to regaining her sight after two years of battling failing vision.
Speaking at St Peter's ACK church in Bondo, Siaya County, during a Christmas service, Rosemary revealed how she had to adapt to a new way of life, relying on sounds and movements of people to navigate her surroundings.
"I felt alone and had to quickly learn to use sounds and movements of people to tell who was around me. Those were the most trying moments of my life," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
As a mother, Rosemary found it especially painful not to be able to see her children, and she expressed gratitude for the prayers and support she received during that difficult time.
"People would see me and think I was able to see because my eyes were 'wide open'. I am grateful for your prayers and support during those difficult times," she said.
Her father, Raila Odinga, accompanied Rosemary to the Christmas service and shared the family's journey to finding a remedy for her condition.
"We got to a point where we nearly gave up as a family after visiting many hospitals, including those in Germany, China, and South Africa, before she was finally healed in India," he said.
Mr Odinga credited a friend who introduced them to a doctor in India who used herbal medicine to help Rosemary recover.
"Doctors in South Africa said she will never regain her sight. However, a friend introduced us to a doctor in India who used herbal medicine to help her recover," he said.
