Opposition leader Raila back on his feet after surgery in UAE
Opposition leader Raila Odinga is recuperating well after a surgery, if a video posted online by his daughter Winnie yesterday is anything to go by.
The video on Twitter shows Raila stretching in his room in Dubai. The Orange Democratic (ODM) leader had what his family called a “minor surgery”.
In the video, Raila assures Kenyans that he was back on his feet after a successful surgery.
“And we’re back! Feeling good and fresh, ready for the game! A special message from @Raila Odinga” reads the post.
This was the first appearance in a fortnight by the Opposition chief, whose health has been the subject of speculation.
In the video, Raila who was dressed in mustard yellow and turquoise blue pair of shorts goes on to thank his friends, youths and supporters for the messages of goodwill while he was being treated in a German hospital in Dubai.
“I want to thank all my friends, supporters and all youth who have sent me messages of goodwill. It has been amazing and wonderful. It makes you recover so fast,” Raila says.
Raila has been on numerous occasions been accompanied oversees trips by Winnie.
“I have worked for my father for as long as I can remember. I’m his bodyguard, his brief case carrier, travel companion or even driver if need be,” she said in a past interview.
Raila has been out of the the country at a time the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) taskforce, led by Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji, has just finalised on its report.
BBI agenda
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila have been the key drivers of the BBI initiative, which has proposed radical changes to the structure of the Executive, including creation of the post of the Prime Minister with two deputies.
It is widely expected that the senator Haji team will hand over their report to the two BBI partners once Raila arrives back into the country after his treatment.
The family—while confirming that the Opposition leader is well—said he would be coming back home soon, but did not specify the exact date.
Raila’s wife, Ida, said he was being treated for a nerve disorder affecting one leg, but needed more time to rest and would stay in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for some time.
Ida was quoted as saying the Odinga family was hurt by rumours on social media that his husband was suffering from undisclosed ailments.
After days of widespread speculation, Raila’s elder brother Oburu Oginga disclosed that he had been taken to the UAE for treatment, but did not disclose the ailment.
“Odinga is out of the country for a minor surgical operation on his back. It is not a serious health issue. So, he’s okay,” said Oburu.
