Doctors have advised the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga to take some time off politics at a time his main challenger for the presidency, William Ruto seems to be increasing his countrywide tours.
The advice by Raila’s doctors come just days after Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua asked his handlers in Mt Kenya region not to subject the former prime minister to a strenuous campaign schedule due to his age.
In an interview with one of the local publications, Raila who is in Mombasa for three days said he has not held any political meeting since he officially announced his 2022 presidential candidature on Friday, December 10, at the Kasarani stadium.
“I was advised to rest after Kasarani. After the three days, I will talk to different people and groups,” said presidential hopeful Raila Odinga.
Raila further said he will embark on the second phase of his campaign once he is done with his vacation.
The opposition leader said he will get to work on a national movement that will change the political and economic landscape of the country in the build-up to the much-awaited 2022 General Election.
Speaking during Raila’s Azimio La Umoja convention on Frida December 10, KANU boss Gideon Moi asked ODM director of elections and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed to give Raila enough time to rest.
Last month, Gachagua who is being considered to be William Ruto’s running mate said that the organizers of ODM rallies want to kill 76-year-old Raila Odinga with political rallies.
“Those planning for this man, even if we do not agree with him (Raila Odinga), he is also a Kenyan and a child of God. Stop burdening this old man please,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua accused Raila Odinga’s team of copying William Ruto’s church campaigns strategy warning that the ODM boss cannot compete with 54-year-old William Ruto who is capable of holding more than 135 rallies a month.
