Why Raila Odinga hasn't shown up for demonstrations

Azimo leader Raila Odinga. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga says he has been unwell and that why has not spearheaded their three-day anti-government protest.

Speaking during an interview with NTV on Thursday, July 20, Odinga said that he could not join Kenyans to protest due to a ‘bad flu’ that forced him to be bedridden.

“I got a very bad flu infection that forced my doctor to recommend a bedrest for me. I am however getting better,” said Odinga.

Unlike what has been witnessed before, Odinga and his counterparts in Azimio have been missing in action during their three-day nationwide protests.

However, according to Odinga the demos are no longer controlled by Azimio but by Kenyans who want the government to lower the cost of living.

“I am supporting the protest and so are my colleagues. However, the protests no longer revolve around me, Martha or Azimio. These protests as you have seen are run by Kenyans. I want to everyone that the whole Azimio team is safe and they are spearheading protests in different parts of the country,” he said.

His remarks come hours after Netizens took to Twitter to inquire about his whereabouts as he did not show up for the second day of the protests as is the norm.

Additionally, police officers around the country were busy arresting some of Azimio leaders in efforts to stop them from leading the planned protests.

It is for that reason that Odinga says that he decided to address Kenyans despite being on bed rest.

He urged them to show up in large numbers on Friday, July 21 as they mark the last day of the three-day Anti-Government protest which so far has seen over six people shot dead and others arrested.