Raila’s Insiders Explain His Facial Appearance in Photo With Uhuru

Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s team has explained the cause of his swollen face after a photo with President Uhuru Kenyatta raised questions.

Sources privy to the matter intimated that the former Prime Minister, 77, sustained minor injuries while working out at home.

The insiders further stated that Odinga, who lost his fifth stab at the presidency, fell off a treadmill while exercising but confirmed that he was well and had received medical attention.

Outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta with Azimio La Umoja flagbearer Raila Odinga, the campaign’s spokesperson Makau Mutua, Siaya Governor James Orengo and political columnist Okech Kendo on Tuesday night, September 6, 2022.

Courtesy

In addition, the source allayed fears by Kenyans, who were concerned that about the health of the ODM party leader.

The photo surfaced Tuesday, September 6 after a night meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta at his Karen Home. Tagging along was Uhuru’s son, Jomo,  Mama Ida Odinga and Winnie Odinga.

In the pictures, Raila had swellings on his left side of his face. His left eye was barely open, his left cheek showed signs of protuberance while his lips were appeared swollen.

The photos elicited debate among Kenyans, with some stating that the ruling by the Supreme Court on the presidential election petition had taken a toll on the veteran politician’s health.

“I have found myself empathising with baba Raila Odinga after looking at his latest photo. Seems, the Supreme Court Verdict messed him up, he had to mask up,” Brian Migosi remarked.

“I wondered why Former PM Raila Odinga wore a mask yesterday, now I know. He is not taking this loss well. I opposed him, but I never wished him ill health. I pray that he overcomes his disappointment. Kudos to President Uhuru Kenyatta for visiting and encouraging the Former PM,” Nahashon Kimemia stated.

Following the concerns, fresh images were released, with the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development donning a face mask on.

Siaya Senator James Orengo, the Spokesman of the Raila Odinga campaign team Prof Makau Mutua were also in the night meeting.

Raila has not appeared in public since the Supreme Court validated the win of William Ruto. He however issued a statement, announcing that he respected the decision of the apex court though he disagreed with the judges.

On September 5, Uhuru reiterated Odinga’s sentiments, but poked holes in  the judgement delivered by the court. The outgoing president pledged to oversee a smooth transition to the next government.

Uhuru – Raila meeting came in the wake of reports that Kenya’s fourth president held a phone conversation with Ruto, and spoke about the transition.

Azimo flagbearer Raila Odinga during a meeting with Meru leaders in Nairobi on Sunday, September 4, 2022.

Raila Odinga