Back in action soon

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Prime Minister Raila Odinga has expressed confidence that he will leave hospital soon and continue with his day-to-day activities.

Speaking from Nairobi Hospital where he is recovering from an operation to remove fluid from his brain, Mr Odinga assured the country that he was well and asked the ‘Yes’ team on the proposed constitution to aggressively campaign ahead of the August 4 referendum.

Although his doctors cautioned that Mr Odinga needs to rest, he still received scores of visitors, including President Kibaki. “The President, who spent about one hour talking to the PM, consoled and wished him quick recovery,” said the Presidential Press Service.

Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua, while delivering a special message from the PM to Kenyans, said Mr Odinga was “energetic” and “supercharged”, optimistic of a quick recovery and return to normal duties. “He will be joining you soon,” Dr Mutua told journalists after visiting the PM.

He said the PM, who has been at the forefront of championing for a new constitution, has asked Kenyans not to relent in their push for the passage of the proposed constitution. “The PM is very keen. He wants the ‘Yes’ team to push on with the quest for a new constitution,” Dr Mutua said.

Mr Odinga also thanked Kenyans for their prayers. The Prime Minister’s admission to hospital on Monday came just hours after he had presided over the clean-up of the Nairobi Dam, where he looked ill and exhausted. He was driven into the hospital by his driver, complaining of a headache and general fatigue.

Doctors had to perform an operation to relieve pressure that had built up outside his brain. The pressure, Dr Livingston Oluoch-Olunya said, may have been caused by the PM banging his head in his car some weeks ago. On Wednesday, the PM’s doctor said that his patient was making remarkable improvement, but would still be required to remain in hospital — at least for five days — for close observation.

The neurosurgeon expressed delight that Mr Odinga had started undergoing his normal routine exercises — a clear indication that he will soon be back on his feet again. He further revealed that they had also changed the dressing on the PM’s head and removed all the drips.

The PM was now said to be taking his medication orally. “The Prime Minister generally had a good night. He woke up this morning brighter than ever,” said Dr Oluoch-Olunya. “What we are now emphasising is that he should be given ample time to rest. That is why we are putting restrictions on the number of visitors,” the surgeon said.

Dr Mutua said visitors will be allowed to see Mr Odinga for only two hours a day — at 11am and after 5pm. Dr Oluoch-Olunya said the PM was suffering from a condition called chronic subdural haematoma that was exerting pressure on his brain leading to frequent headaches.

Medical experts explain the condition as collection of blood and blood clots between the surface of the brain and its outermost covering. The chronic phase of this condition begins several weeks after the first bleeding. In a chronic subdural collection, blood leaks from the veins slowly over time.

It is usually not life threatening if treated early. However, if it is not treated in good time, it can take a dangerous turn, including bouts of unconconciousness and loss of memory and coordination. Dr Oluoch-Olunya said once the PM recovers, he will have to cut down his busy schedule. “He does not have to be everywhere... some of the things can be done by remote control. This is what we are suggesting,” he said.

At the Nairobi Hospital, the steady stream of friends and well-wishers continued to pour in to wish him quick recovery. Among those who visited him was House Speaker Kenneth Marende. “Doctors say that he is out of danger. He is fine,” said Mr Marende.

The PM also received goodwill messages from a number of foreign leaders, among them former South African President Nelson Mandela and his wife Dr Graca Machel, former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.

Those who visited him yesterday were deputy PM Musalia Mudavadi, former Vice-President Moody Awori, Cabinet ministers William Ruto, Chris Obure, Sam Ongeri, Sally Kosgei, Mutula Kilonzo, Joe Nyagah, James Orengo, Franklin Bett, Charity Ngilu, William ole Ntimama, George Saitoti, Moses Wetang’ula, John Munyes and Esther Murugi.

Diplomats who included the Head of the European Union delegation to Kenya Eric Van Der Linden, Netherlands ambassador Maria Crispina Van Den Assum, Chinese ambassador Deng Hongbo, Pakistan High Commissioner Masroor Junejo and South African singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka also went to see the PM. Others who visited the PM were MPs Jakoyo Midiwo, Yusuf Chanzu and Shabir Shakeel, former MPs Philip Okundi and Njenga Karume and former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga.