In the wake of widespread rumours about Raila Odinga's health status, the former Prime Minister has personally come out to address the matter, assuring Kenyans that he is well.
In a phone conversation with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Communications Director Philip Etale on Tuesday afternoon, Odinga dispelled allegations of his illness, terming them as mere online propaganda.
The veteran opposition chief, according to his pointman, was happy and jovial, adding that the former Prime Minister had conveyed his greetings to all Kenyans.
Etale went ahead to confirm that the ODM leader was still out of the country, but was expected to return to Kenya in the next few days.
"I have just spoken with Raila Odinga, just under five minutes ago. He is jovial and happy," Etale said. Adding that Raila said, "I am seeing people spreading so much propaganda online, let's keep praying for them."
"He has sent me to convey his greetings to all of you and says he will be back in a few days," the ODM Communications Director revealed.
The former Prime Minister's absence from the limelight has attracted the attention of many Kenyans, with widespread concerns over the credibility of Odinga's health status.
Meanwhile, Etale's update comes barely a day after ODM principals dismissed rumours pointing to Odinga's deteriorating health, terming them as misleading.
In a statement on Sunday, October 5, the party clarified that the ODM leader travelled abroad for personal matters and not in any way related to illness or treatment, as alluded to by a section of the media.
"Honourable Raila travelled out of the country on Friday evening, one of many trips he has made this year and definitely not the last," ODM noted.
Adding: "He definitely did not travel to Europe as reported by bloggers and some of the broadcast media. He is not indisposed as prayed for by his frustrated opponents."
Rumours of Odinga's whereabouts began in early October following ODM's decision to shelve its 20th Anniversary celebrations that had been scheduled to take place in Mombasa on October 3.
