WHY RAILA HAS NOT BEEN PARTICIPATING IN PROTESTS

Written by Whitney Akunga on July 21, 2023

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga, who has caused anxiety after pulling a no-show during the ongoing anti-government protests, now says he is recovering from flu.

Odinga, who did not disclose his current whereabouts, says he was slightly ill, thereby putting the question to rest on why he has been missing in action since the three-day demonstrations kicked off on Wednesday.

“I am slightly ill from a flu. I have received medication and am now healing,” he said.

The Azimio leader refuted concerns that some coalition leaders were hiding, saying his team is focused and leading the demonstrations from different parts of the country.

On why his co-principals including Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua and Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka have not been leading the demos as they have always done, Odinga underscored that the protests were for all Kenyans and that it was not mandatory for them to be present.

“I am participating in protests with my fellows but it should be kept in mind that the protests were meant for all Kenyans and not Baba, Martha or Kalonzo,” he added.

Odinga at the same time slammed President William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza team accusing them of prejudice in their utterances and constant calls for peace as he vowed to continue with the protests.

According to Odinga, the President has not personally called him to discuss the way forward and he (Odinga) has not demanded a ‘handshake’ as Kenya Kwanza leaders have continuously alleged.

The Azimio chief’s absence in the limelight has caused a buzz across social media platforms with Kenyans asking for Odinga to come out from the shadows.