ODM leader Raila Odinga. (Denish Ochieng, Standard)

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga tests positive for Covid-19

Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has tested positive for Covid-19, Kenyan media reported Thursday night.

Raila Odinga, Kenya's former Prime Minister and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has tested positive for Covid-19, Kenyan media reported Thursday night.

According to Citizen TV, Odinga's doctor consultant neurosurgeon David Oluoch-Olunya said the ODM leader is responding well to treatment at the Nairobi Hospital.

“Following my letter of the 10th of March 2021, we have confirmed that Rt. Hon. Odinga has SARS-2 COVID 19. We are continuing to monitor his progress,” the statement reads.

Odinga was admitted to the hospital on March 9 after he complained of general fatigue and body aches.

On Thursday, Mr. Odinga, 76, said in a statement that he received an accurate diagnosis after undergoing numerous tests the last two days.

“While the tests were several, one important result, which I have authorized the doctors to make public is that I have been found to have been exposed to Covid-19. Despite the fact that I feel strong and in good shape after a few days in hospital, I have agreed with my doctors to undertake the mandatory quarantine,” he said.

The Kenyan health ministry Thursday reported that 829 more people had tested positive for coronavirus out of a sample size of 6,239 tested in the last 24 hours, as the caseload stands 111,185.

One patient succumbed to the disease pushing the cumulative fatalities to 1,899.

On Friday, March 12, 2021, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to address the nation regarding the country's Covid-19 status as various government-imposed measures against the virus lapse.