Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday, July 20 evening explained why he has been missing during the ongoing anti-government protests, saying he has been down with a terrible flu.
The Azimio leader cleared the air on various speculations of his no-show since the demonstrations kicked off on Wednesday, July 19 after a section of Kenyans online kept asking of his whereabouts.
As such, while speaking to NTV, Odinga stated that he was slightly ill and down with a bad flu.
“I have a bad flu that pinned me down. I am receiving medical attention and I am beginning to recover. I will be fine,” Odinga said.
Also Read: LIVE UPDATES: Day 2 of Azimio Protests
Moreover, the ODM boss refuted claims that some Azimio-allied leaders were hiding.
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He explained that his team is focused and leading the anti-government protests from various parts of the country.
“Azimio team is intact. Our leaders are leading protests in various parts of the country. You do not have to see them on the road.”
Likewise, Odinga underscored that his co-principals Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka were not on the forefront of the demonstrations as was the norm before because the protests were for all Kenyans and that it was not mandatory for them to be present.
“I am part of the protests and we are all working together as Azimio. The demonstrations to not belong to Raila, Martha or Kalonzo. It is for all Kenyans,” he stated.
We are Not After ‘Handshake’
Nonetheless, the opposition chief rubbished claims by the government that Azimio Coalition was after a ‘handshake’ saying they have no such interests.
He added that he has not spoken to the president to discuss the way forward.
“The President has not called me, and we have not talked. We are not interested in a handshake, that is mere propaganda. We do not want power sharing,” Odinga said.
Also Read: Azimio Gives Direction On Planned 3 Days Demos
At the same time, the opposition chief took a swipe at President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza team accusing them of prejudice in their utterances and constant calls for peace.
He then vowed to continue with the protests as planned, adding that Friday’s protests will be the finals.
“Ruto is hypocrite. He keeps contradicting himself. Today (Thursday) protests were semifinals. Friday will be the final.
