NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar, 11 – Kenya’s former Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga on Thursday tested positive for COVID-19, days after he was admitted at the Nairobi hospital.
In a letter to members of the public, Odinga revealed that upon several and complicated tests being conducted on him for two days to establish his full diagnosis, the results were accurate.
“While the tests were several, one important result which I authorized the doctors to make public is that I have been found have been exposed to COVID-19,” Odinga said in a statement.
He further revealed that despite “feeling strong and in good shape” after days of being admitted in hospital following the advise of his doctors, he will undertake the mandatory quarantine.
“I take this opportunity to thank the medical personnel for days of very meticulous wok they had donated to arrive at the diagnosis,” he said.
The former prime minister is now urging members of the public to remain firm and observe COVID-19 protocols, in a bid to ensure they are not exposed to the virus.
Meanwhile Odinga’s physician, Doctor David Oluoch said that the former prime minister was “responding well to treatment and remains upbeat.”
Kenyans have in recent weeks been advised now more than ever to adhere to the Ministry of Health guidelines on social distancing among others in order to avert the spread of the virus.
Odinga was admitted at the Nairobi Hospital after he complained of fatigue and body pains following a rigorous political schedule.
According to his physician, he initially underwent several tests and was under constant observation of the doctors.
Several leaders including deputy president William Ruto have wished Odinga a quick recovery reiterating his importance to the nation.
-Odinga’s busy schedule-
Last week, the ODM leader was on a week long visit of the coast region, which kicked off in Taita Taveta on Monday, where he held a meeting with area leaders.
He then held four other public meetings on Tuesday in Mwatate, Wundanyi and Voi.
On Wednesday, he then flew to Malindi ahead of a tour of Kilifi County, where he drummed up support for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) constitutional amendments, now in the parliamentary stage.
On Thursday Odinga then traversed Mombasa county holding rallies in Changamwe and Likoni, before traveling to Kwale County on Friday. He thereafter returned to Mombasa and eventually returned to Nairobi.
He was expected to hold a public rally in Kibra this past Sunday, but never showed up after complaining of fatigue.
The 76 year old leader had in June last year been flown to Dubai for specialized treatment that included a back surgery.
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