Unlike many, ODM leader updates public when unwell

For a man whose name conjures up the image of a superhero, Raila Amolo Odinga (pictured) has come to prove one thing; he is human.

Like an army commander who has led his men into numerous battles, the story of Kenya’s political journey can never be told without Raila.

Loved and loathed in equal measure, Raila has continued to surprise Kenyans after joining hands with his political archrival President Uhuru Kenyatta.

To his supporters, he is a shrewd and unshaken leader who will lead them to the Promised Land. To his critics, he is untrustworthy and hungry for power.

However, Raila’s supporters and critics agree on one thing -- he has earned his place in the political arena through sweat and sacrifice.

The ODM leader’s reformist agenda has had highs and lows that saw him detained for at least six years in the 1980s.

Unlike most prominent personalities who ensure their health status is kept confidential, the former Prime Minister has always been open about his health.

On Tuesday, Raila was admitted to the Nairobi Hospital after complaining of fatigue. Through a statement, his personal doctor David Oluoch-Olunya said the ODM leader is stable and under observation. 

“Odinga walked in for a routine medical test at the Nairobi Hospital on March 9, after feeling some fatigue. He had a rigorous campaign and needed to have some checkup,” said Dr Oluoch-Olunya.

His elder brother Oburu Oginga dismissed claims that Raila contracted Covid-19. “He doesn’t have pain in the chest or cough or anything like that. It was just general fatigue of the body and some joint pains. That is what I could see. But I am not a doctor,” said Dr Oburu.

The ODM leader has been advised to rest as a team of doctors monitor his condition.

This is not the first time the ODM leader has gone public about his health. Last year, Raila underwent minor hip surgery in Dubai. His family updated the public on his progress until he returned to the country after three weeks. 

During the 2017 presidential debate, Raila requested the moderators, Linus Kaikai and Joe Ageyo to run the second segment of the interview with him seated away from the direct light, which affected his eyes.

“I beg to speak while seated. My eyes are affected by direct light due to the harassment I went through in my detention,” said the ODM leader.

On July 9, 2017 while campaigning in Kilifi, Raila was taken to hospital after he developed stomach discomfort.

During his tenure as Prime Minister in 2010, he banged his head on a car door, an accident that would later force him to undergo surgery to remove accumulated fluid that caused the headache.