Orange Democratic Party (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has finally made a public appearance after days of speculations about his health. For the past week, sections of Kenyans online questioned his absence from key political activities, with some allies demanding he address the nation to confirm he was well.
On Friday, Odinga ended the silence by sharing a series of pictures from meetings held both at his Nairobi home and office. The images sparked mixed reactions, as Kenyans keenly observed his appearance. Many noted that the veteran politician looked more frail and appeared fatigued compared to his usual energetic self.
In one of the photos, Odinga, dressed in casual attire, was seen hosting his sister, who recently graduated with a PhD.
The ODM leader congratulated her on the academic milestone, praising her for being an example of determination and commitment to community development. He described her as a role model whose education would greatly contribute to policy discussions in society.
Later, Odinga also met with a group of ODM leaders at his Nairobi office. The leaders used the meeting to finalize preparations for the upcoming ODM Party tournaments, an initiative that will run across different counties.
The tournaments are part of activities lined up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the party, which has remained one of the dominant political forces in the country.
Despite his reassuring presence, Odinga’s perceived frailty has fueled further debate online. While some supporters welcomed his re-emergence, others expressed concern about his ability to maintain the rigorous political engagements he is known for.
Still, Odinga reiterated his commitment to ODM’s activities, signaling he is very much involved in steering the party forward.
About the Author
