William Ruto consoles Raila Odinga after he tests positive for Covid-19

Deputy President William Ruto with ODM Party leader Raila Odinga. [File, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto has wished Raila Odinga a quick recovery after the ODM leader tested positive for Covid-19.

“To Raila Odinga, former PM, Isaiah 53v5 by Jesus stripes comes healing. You have fought many battles, you have always demonstrated courage and bravery. This too you will overcome," tweeted the Deputy President. "Quick recovery my friend. The nation is praying.” 

In his encouragement to Raila, Ruto quoted from the Bible - Isaiah 53:5, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

To @RailaOdinga, former PM, Isaiah 53v5 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. — William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) March 11, 2021

In a statement Thursday, Raila has told Kenyans that Covid-19 is real and urged them to observe all the stipulated measures. 

“This evening, I received a briefing from the doctors who have conducted numerous and complicated tests on me for 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,” he wrote.

He added: “Despite the fact that I feel strong and in good shape after a few days in the hospital, I have agreed with my doctors to undertake the mandatory quarantine.”

Raila Odinga took a Covid-19 test on June 14, 2020, at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) in Mbagathi and pleaded with Kenyans to follow suit. He tested negative. [Courtesy]

A statement by Nairobi Hospital’s Dr David Olunya on Thursday further confirmed that the former premier has the SARS-CoV-2.

“He is responding well to the treatment he is receiving at the Nairobi Hospital and remains upbeat,” his personal doctor said.

Earlier, Raila had thanked Kenyans for their overwhelming support saying that he was recuperating well. 

To @RailaOdinga, former PM, Isaiah 53v5 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. — William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) March 11, 2021

Of late Raila has been in a whirlwind of political tours to popularise the Building Bridges Initiative and the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2020 which will give the initiative the requisite constitutional teeth to enable its implementation.
His political work has paid dividends with 44 out of 47 counties passing the Bill which is now in Parliament whose two houses will debate and pass it as a matter of formality and transmit it to the President who will then direct IEBC to contact the referendum.

If Kenyans vote for or reject amendment the result will be sent to the President who cannot reject the outcome.