Recuperating Rosemary Odinga Opens Up on Losing Her Eyesight During Illness

Opposition leader Raila Odinga's daughter Rosemary has for the first time opened up about her illness that got her flown to South Africa for specialized treatment last year.

Speaking when she made her first public appearance since she was taken ill in February, 2017, a frail-looking but cheerful Ms Odinga revealed that she temporarily turned blind during her illness.

“I am still struggling to adapt to the new changes, having lost my sight during my illness. I have had support from everybody around me for which I am very grateful. I will continue to do what my heart most desires – to empower women in our country,” said Rosemary when she attended a function at Raila Odinga Education Centre in Kibra on Tuesday.

Ms Odinga, who attended a charity event to help women in the slum improve their lives, says she is recovering well and will continue pushing for women's empowerment.

“I am getting more confident now on my new life after losing my sight following the surgery. I will continue to do what my heart most desires, to empower women in our country," she adds.

Rosemary joined a Korean charity organization in donating 60 sewing machines for vocational training in Kibra.

“This opportunity will open doors for many women who have no jobs, who are depending on their husbands or well-wishers for support and those who desired to be self-employed,” Rosemary notes.

 “I am happy to see you people get these machines which I know after the training will play a big role in addressing the issue of unemployment in our community."

She withdrew from the race for Kibra Parliamentary seat after she was reportedly diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumor referred to as Meningioma.