UNITED

If those who saw Prime Minister Raila Odinga in hospital report, they would simply tell you his grip is back. And indeed when two former Vice-Presidents visited him, he left his bed, stood between them, and swung his hands over their shoulders as his Press crew took pictures.

Visitors reported the PMs radiant smile was returning and he was in a jovial mood despite the admission to hospital.

The doctor’s verdict, too, was that the PM was making good progress, something that made them get him off the drip. "He had a good night and all I can tell Kenyans is that he is recovering fast. We have restricted the number of visitors to ensure he rests," his doctor, David Livingstone Oluoch-Olunya told the country.

Hardly 24 hours after he was operated on the left side of the head to ease pressure on his brain, the PM had a busy day on his bed, talking with those who showed up to wish him well.

They included President Kibaki, who because of his near-fatal accident in 2002 is familiar with the VIP room Raila is admitted to. The President’s handlers shrugged off news crews, including the Head of State’s, and he was with Raila for an hour. He had been to Lanet for a military pass-out parade before making his way back to Nairobi, and to the hospital to see his partner in the Coalition Government – a man he has fought many political battles with, including among themselves, reconciled, and often traded words.


Higher Education Minister William Ruto was among leaders who wished the Prime Minister a quick recovery at the hospital. [PHOTO: Jonah Onyango/Standard]

Head of Public Service Ambassador Francis Muthaura accompanied Kibaki. The only other person in the room was Raila’s wife, Ida, and Dr Olunya. The President arrived at 3pm and left without saying a word to journalists who were milling around.

Retired President Moi also sent a get-well-soon message to Raila and wished his family well, too.

Leaders who saw the Prime Minister said he was in a jocular mood and discussions centered on the on going Fifa World Cup in South Africa, and the campaigns for the Proposed Constitution.

But still the doctors restricted his visiting time to two hours per day – one hour in the morning, and another in the evening. Dr Olunya confirmed the PM was suffering from a chronic subdural haematoma, as was exclusively reported by The Standard on Wednesday. He said this in simple terms meant there was a blood clot on the surface of the brain. He said the PM would stay in hospital for at least five days. He added even after he is discharged from hospital, he would still be required to have more rest, implying the PM may be off active referendum campaigns for the time being.

The unifying effect of his medical condition, which struck on Monday by way of intermittent headache, was discernible from the visit to his bedside by the head of Catholic Church, Cardinal John Njue, who is one of the top clerics who have red-carded the Proposed Constitution Raila and the President are lobbying for.

Another conspicuous face in Raila’s room was Higher Education Minister William Ruto’s. The de facto leader of the ‘No’ camp, who has had a myriad running battles with Raila since the Grand Coalition was formed, came along to wish him well. Bishop Phillip Sulumeti accompanied Njue.

The solemn nature of the moment was obvious from the mountain of flower bouquets those going to see him carried, as a symbol of goodwill.


Doctor’s orders

The international interest in Raila’s state could be seen from the number of foreign diplomats who went to see him, including US ambassador on Tuesday, and a high-ranking European Union delegation, yesterday.

Though the PM is under doctor’s orders to rest for five days, something that demands tight control of visitors seeing him, the flow of well wishers was constant and in profile, they were Kenya’s movers and shakers.

They included two former Vice Presidents –George Saitoti and Moody Awori. Others were captains of blue chip companies such as Safaricom Managing Director Michael Joseph. The Cabinet, too, was not left out in walking to the PM’s bedside to cheer up, wish the PM well, and see for themselves how their boss was faring on.

The national curiosity on the PM’s health came out in Parliament when Central Imenti MP Gitobu Imanyara called for what he termed "full disclosure" from the Government. Imanyara sought, "assurance that the Right Honourable Prime Minister is getting the best possible medical assistance." "I seek a statement on the status of the health of the Prime Minister," said Imanyara when he got the Speaker’s eye.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga gets off his hospital bed to stand between two former Vice Presidents — Moody Awori and Prof George Saitoti — who were among the dignitaries who visited him. [PHOTO: PMPS]

Internal Security Assistant Minister Joshua Orwa promised the House Vice-President, Kalonzo Musyoka, who saw the PM on Monday as Deputy PM Musalia Mudavadi, would give the Government position.

Others who visited him were House Speaker Kenneth Marende, Cabinet ministers Moses Wetangula, Franklin Bett, Joseph Nyagah, Naomi Shabaan, Esther Murugi, William ole Ntimama, Mutula Kilonzo, Sally Kosgey, and Mudavadi who was coming in for the second time.

There were also many MPs, among them, Yusuf Chanzu, Shakir Shabir, and Omondi Anyanga. France, China, and Pakistan envoys also visited Raila. "He is doing very well and we discussed the World Cup and the Proposed Constitution. He really wants it to pass," Wetangula said.

Wetangula said the PM had assured Kenyans he was doing well and thanked them for their concern and support after he was taken ill Monday.

Former minister Njenga Karume who was accompanied by former MP Kuria Kanyingi said the PM was concerned with the ‘Yes’ campaigns, and had asked them to ensure they do no slow down.

He said Raila urged the team backing the Proposed Constitution to "soldier on" with campaigns at the grassroots and promised he would join them "soon".

"We have told him we will ensure this draft constitution passes. He looks well and we hope to see him back on to the campaign trail," said Karume.

Head of European Union delegation in Kenya, Eric van der Linden, said Raila was in a jovial mood and they, too, discussed football.

Former head of proscribed Mungiki Sect Maina Njenga who was accompanied by Raila’s son, Fidel, also walked into the ward and came out saying the PM was in a jovial mood. When Njenga was in prison, Raila sent him the all-time popular read, The 48 Rules of Power.

Those who saw him said Raila wanted to get off the bed and go about his business were it not for the doctor’s orders. Raila checked into the hospital on Monday evening after complaining of a headache and fatigue.

On Tuesday, sources said, family members, relatives, and friends contemplated flying out the Prime Minister to a medical facility where he could get complete rest, away from streams of visitors.