ODM Denies Reports that Raila Has Fled From His Karen Home after Taking 'Oath'

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has dismissed reports appearing on a section of local media claiming that National Super Alliance (Nasa) leader Raila Odinga has fled his residence in Karen, Nairobi.

The reports claimed that the opposition chief has not been staying at his home in Karen since he took oath as the people’s president last Tuesday.

"Nasa leader Raila Odinga is reportedly operating from a city hotel, crafting his Cabinet amidst pressure from his lieutenants to drop his co-principals Moses Wetang’ula, Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi," the Star said in article published on Monday.

The Star added: "He has also avoided his Capital Hill office in Upper Hill since his swearing-in as the “People's President” at Uhuru Park last Tuesday."

However in a statement on its official Twitter Handle, ODM hit out at the Star over the article, terming claims on the report as hearsay.

"This headline, and the story herein, is total hogwash, gutter and mocks a time-tested tenet of great journalism: that a journalism work shouldn’t proceed, entirely, on hearsay,” the party said, rubbishing reports by the Star.

The Star further claimed that Odinga has been operating from an unnamed city hotel, where only a few individuals including businessman Jimmy Wanjigi and his daughter Winnie Odinga have access to him.

"Family sources say only businessman Jimmy Wanjigi and Winnie have unfettered access to him most of the time," the Star reported.