Deputy President William Ruto has wished ODM leader Raila Odinga, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, a quick recovery.

Taking to his Twitter page on Thursday night, Dr Ruto said: “To @RailaOdinga, former PM, Isaiah [chapter] 53 verse 5 by Jesus's strips 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.”

DP Ruto’s close ally and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, Kipchumba Murkomen, in his get well soon message to Odinga, which was posted on Twitter on Thursday evening, said: “I have a huge respect for @RailaOdinga especially because he honestly and openly shares with the public his health status. I honestly pray and truly believe he will recover in good time and will bounce back stronger and healthier. My family and I are praying for him his quick recovery.”

Raila Odinga said in a statement on Thursday night that he felt “strong and in good shape” despite the COVID-19 diagnosis.

Odinga’s doctor, David Oluoch Olunya, confirmed to the public on Thursday night (March 11) that the veteran politician, 76, who is receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital, had tested positive for COVID-19.

Odinga has said in a statement on Thursday night that the diagnosis was arrived at after “numerous and complicated tests”.

“This evening, I received a briefing from the doctors who have conducted numerous and complicated tests on me for the last two days to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of my health status,” said the former prime minister in his press statement dated March 11.

“While the tests were several, one important result, which I have authorised the doctors to make public is that I have been found to have been exposed to COVID-19,” added Odinga.

‘Strong and in good shape’

The Opposition chief said there is no cause for alarm over his health because he is already feeling “strong and in good shape”.

“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 mandatory quarantine,” said Odinga.

“I take this opportunity to thank the medical personnel for days of very meticulous work they have done to arrive at the diagnosis.

“Finally, I wish to use this opportunity to emphasise to our people that COVID-19 is real, it is in our midst and we need to observe all the measures being put out by the government, scientists and health personnel,” said Odnga, adding: “I thank everyone for the good wishes.”

The ODM leader is suspected to have contracted the disease while on a five-day tour of the coastal region, which began on March 1, 2021.

Raila Odinga was admitted to Nairobi Hospital on Tuesday, March 9. His doctor said, on Wednesday, March 10, that Odinga had gone to the medical facility for “routine medical tests after being overwhelmed by fatigue”.

“He had a rigorous (sic) campaign, and needed to have some check-up. This was carried out successfully. He is still undergoing some further investigations (sic) with a team of doctors and has been advised to take a rest,” said Dr. Olunya in a March 10 press statement.