Raila: I Can't Talk to Ruto, He is Not to be Trusted

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga is unwell and has taken a bed rest.

Mr Odinga did not make an appearance at the anti-government protests he had organized on Wednesday and Thursday due to his condition. He had travelled to the coast last week and spent the weekend there, claiming to suffer from a severe flu before returning to the city to recover. Odinga clarified in a phone interview on Thursday that he had been advised by his doctor to take a stint away from the protests, but confirmed that he is feeling better and would be back on his feet soon. 

“I want to tell Kenyans that Baba is doing well,” he said. “I was very sick from a terrible flu that left me bedridden and under the care of my doctor. But I am feeling much better now and I am confident I will be back on my feet soon.” 

There were rumours circulating online that Odinga was admitted to the hospital but no evidence was provided to support the claims. Azimio's silence on the matter, as well as Odinga's running mate Martha Karua signing press briefings on behalf of the party, only fueled the speculation. Last week, the Azimio leader was in Malindi before travelling to Mombasa to meet with political leaders from his Azimio coalition. 

Odinga then returned to Nairobi to plan for a series of protests that began on Wednesday. Despite the lukewarm nature of the protests, Odinga defended his colleagues' efforts and stated that Kenyans have shown solidarity in the fight against punitive taxes. The opposition leader has castigated the government for being complacent and refusing to listen to the concerns of Kenyans regarding the high taxes. Meanwhile, Odinga's colleagues are coordinating nationwide protests and keeping him informed.

President William Ruto has affirmed his stance on the protests, saying that he is open to discussing the cost of living crisis with the opposition but will not bargain a power-sharing deal with Mr Odinga. Speaking in Kericho on Wednesday, the Head of State said that he had urged the opposition faction to engage the government through parliamentary leadership, however, the Azimio brigade chose to hold demonstrations instead.