Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is dead

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has passed away at the age of 80.

He passed away on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in India.

His death comes amid speculations that he was in critical condition.

His family had earlier come out to strongly defend him, insisting that he was in good spirits and recuperating well.

His elder brother and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga assured Kenyans that the ODM leader was in good health and recovering in India after being slightly indisposed.

Speaking to the media, Oburu dismissed reports claiming that Raila was in critical condition, terming them exaggerated and inaccurate.

“I want to tell you that Raila is up and about. Just like any other human being, he was indisposed a little and is now recuperating and resting,” Oburu said.

He emphasized that the former Prime Minister’s condition was not as serious as reported in some sections of the media.

“He was not in those conditions that have been put in the press. I want to clarify that, and very soon you will see him,” he added.

The senator confirmed that Raila is currently in India, where he is resting and recovering.

The same was reiterated by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Raila’s longtime friend and media mogul SK Macharia, who said they had talked to him.

“The Prime Minister is safe and healthy. I have spoken to him, and those wishing him ill are not good people. It is against African tradition to wish anybody ill,” Kindiki stated.

“As of this morning, I spoke to Raila from where he is, and yesterday I also rang him. Raila is very healthy, and in a few days, he will be back here with us,” Macharia added.