Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80 while undergoing medical treatment in India. His passing on Wednesday comes after days of public speculation about his condition, which had prompted family and close friends to assure Kenyans that he was recovering and in good spirits.
Oburu Odinga, his elder brother and Siaya Senator, had earlier addressed concerns about Raila’s health, insisting that the former Prime Minister was simply resting after a minor indisposition. “I want to tell you that Raila is up and about. Just like any other human being, he was indisposed a little and is now recuperating and resting,” he said, clarifying that the media reports of a critical condition were exaggerated.
Oburu added: “He was not in those conditions that have been put in the press. I want to clarify that, and very soon you will see him.” The senator confirmed that Raila was receiving care in India, where he had been recuperating.
Support for this account came from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and media mogul SK Macharia, both of whom said they had spoken with the former Prime Minister. “The Prime Minister is safe and healthy. I have spoken to him, and those wishing him ill are not good people. It is against African tradition to wish anybody ill,” Kindiki said. Macharia noted: “As of this morning, I spoke to Raila from where he is, and yesterday I also rang him. Raila is very healthy, and in a few days, he will be back here with us.”
More to follow...