Revealed: Raila set to return home after days of absence

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during a past press conference. [File]

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga is expected to return to the country after days of missing from the public eye, amid speculation over his health.

A source close to the opposition chief revealed to The Standard that Odinga had travelled to India for a medical check-up after developing a blood clot in his leg.

"He underwent a minor surgery and was discharged today (Wednesday) from one of the leading hospitals in India," the source said.

Odinga's absence from the political scene in recent days had fuelled rumours and speculation about his health, with social media awash with unverified reports.

His handlers were forced to counter the claims, at one point sharing a photo of the former Prime Minister watching an English Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham.

Meanwhile, Mama Ida Odinga has dismissed the rumours as baseless, assuring Kenyans that Odinga is in good health.

Speaking at a function in Nyanza on Tuesday, Ida urged the public to ignore misinformation being spread online.

"Raila Odinga is fine," she said. "Someone who does not live with him says he is sick, yet I don't know of any illness."

The ODM leader, who has been out of the public eye for weeks, is expected to resume political engagements upon his return.