Why I Have Not Attended Protests - Raila

A photo of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga addressing a rally on Kibera on March 27, 2022.
A photo of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga addressing a rally in Kibra on March 27, 2022.
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Raila Odinga

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Thursday, July 20, revealed that he was suffering from a terrible flu making it impossible for him to participate in the ongoing demonstrations.

In an interview with NTV, the former Prime Minister indicated that he was getting better after receiving medical attention.

The former premier was responding to queries over his health since he did not physically attend the demonstrations which kicked off on Wednesday, July 19.

"I have a terrible flu which put me down for a while and I got medical attention. I am currently getting better and I will be okay," Raila stated.

Raila alighting from Matatu
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga alighting from a Matatu in Nairobi's CBD on Monday, July 10, 2023.
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Raila Odinga

He, nonetheless, called on his supporters to turn up for the Friday, July 21, protests describing it as the grand finale.

He added that the protest was aimed to uplift the lives of all Kenyans and not just those of the Azimio la Umoja supporters.

"Everything is okay. These protests are not for Raila,  Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua or Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. This is for all Kenyans. They do not have to be present for the demonstrations to go on.

"We have coordinators who have been organising the demos and everything is going on (as planned)," he stated.

Raila, however, refuted claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta was funding the protests terming the allegations by President William Ruto as lies intended to whip the emotions of Kenyans.

The Azimio leader also maintained that he was not seeking a handshake with his arch-rival as claimed by Kenya Kwanza leaders.

Meanwhile, Azimio detailed their plans for the Friday protests which are scheduled to begin at 10 am.

The Raila Odinga-led faction asked their supporters to converge at Jevanjee Gardens (CBD) Imara Daima Grounds (Embakasi South) and Kibra Kamukunji Grounds (Kibra Constituency) by the set time.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking during the Jubilee Party  National Delegates Convention (NDC)on May 22, 2023.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking during the Jubilee Party National Delegates Convention (NDC)on May 22, 2023.
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Jubilee Party