Oburu Oginga, the Siaya Senator and eldest brother of Raila Odinga, has spoken out to set the record straight about the former Prime Minister's condition and whereabouts.
Addressing the press on Thursday, October 9, Oburu confirmed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader had indeed been unwell but is currently on the path to recovery.
He, however, dismissed speculations that the former Prime Minister was gravely sick, clarifying that Odinga only suffered a slight illness which forced him to seek medical attention abroad.
“I want to take this opportunity to clarify this, there have been a lot of rumours about our party leader, Raila Odinga, that he is very sick, that he is almost dying and that he is completely out," Oburu noted.
Adding: "But I want to tell you that he is out and about, and he is just like any other human being who was indisposed a little, and he is now recuperating and resting, but he was not in those conditions alleged."
He went ahead to reveal Raila's whereabouts, stating that the veteran opposition leader was currently in India and not the United States or the United Arab Emirates as alleged by a section of Kenyans.
Oburu emphasised that the former Prime Minister was well and that he could return to Kenya anytime soon to resume his normal political duties.
"I want to tell you that very soon you will see him back. He is in India; people should not say they do not know where he is. He is not in the US or Dubai as alleged by some," Oburu clarified.
Oburu's comments come against the backdrop of widespread speculations about the health status of the ODM party leader.
Nonetheless, the reports about Raila's ill health have since been dismissed by his close associates, including ODM party's Communications Director Philip Etale and Raila's wife, Ida Odinga.
Just three days ago, Ida dismissed claims that Odinga was sick, maintaining that the husband was well and had travelled abroad to take a break from Kenya's political spotlight.
Speaking in Migori County on Tuesday, October 7, Ida questioned how people who are not close to Raila could know his health status better than she does.
“In the past week, people have been disturbed by rumours claiming Raila is sick. If his condition were truly as serious as they say, I would have taken him to a hospital here in Migori for treatment," Ida stated.
"He is fine, he is just resting abroad. How can someone who does not live with him claim to know his health status, while I, who stays with him, am unaware of any issues? Baba is okay,” she added.
