Kenyans take to social media to wish Raila a quick recovery after testing positive for Covid-19

By Mourice Seretta

When news filtered in on Thursday that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga that he had tested positive for Covid-19, the country went into a frenzy as political leaders and Kenyans at large took to social media to wish him a quick recovery.

His doctor David Oluoch-Olunya confirmed the same leading to the internet explosion from Kenyans wishing one of the most astute political figures the country has experienced in the recent past a quick recovery.

“Following my letter of March 10, 2021, we have confirmed that Odinga has SARS-2 Covid-19. He is responding well to treatment at Nairobi Hospital and remains upbeat. We are however closely monitoring his progress,” said Olunya in the letter dated 11^th March, 2021.

Raila was taken ill on Tuesday evening complaining of fatigue before doctors agreed to undertake several tests on him that led to the revelation that Raila was ailing from Covid-19.

Among top leaders who took to social media to wish Raila a quick recovery was Deputy President William Ruto who quoted the Bible, Isaiah 53 verse 5, and that by Jesus stripes comes healing.

“You have fought many battles, you have always demonstrated courage and bravery. This too you will overcome. Quick recovery my friend. The nation is praying.” Ruto wrote on his social media accounts.

Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi also wished Raila a quick recovery.

“I would like to wish Right Honourable former Prime Minister @RailaOdinga a quick recovery. May God protect and heal you! We join Kenyans in praying that you will get back on your feet soon. Quick recovery ndugu. Godspeed.” Mudavadi offered on his twitter handle.

Former Vice President and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was not left behind to wish his boss In CORD and NASA a quick recovery having been Raila’s running mate twice in 2013 and 2017.

“To my brother @RailaOdinga. You are strong and the fighter in you shall overcome. I wish you a speedy recovery through God’s healing hand. You are in my prayers.” Kalonzo tweeted.

“My thoughts are with you, Rt. Hon former Prime Minister and ODM leader @RailaOdinga as you undergo treatment for Covid 19.I pray to the Almighty to provide speedy healing to enable you continue your gallant struggles to make Kenya a great nation.” Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu also said.

His party, ODM, also wished its leader a quick recovery by offering prayers to him.

“We continue to pray for our Party Leader @RailaOdinga’s Quick Recovery. You are a strong man. You have fought and won many battles and this one too, you shall win.” The party tweeted.

Several other political leaders, religious and several Kenyans wished Raila a quick of recovery.

Raila was last seen in public on Saturday when he received a delegation from Narok at his Nairobi’s Karen home.

Raila when he was last seen in public with a delegation from Narok.

“I received a delegation from Narok at my Karen home. They brought me up to speed on the happenings in their County. Asante kwa zawadi ya mbuzi.” Raila tweeted after the meeting with the delegation from Narok.

Prior to that, he had held a five day extensive tour of the Coast region where he popularized the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

ODM party has since suspended all grassroots political activities until and when Raila is discharged from Hospital.