ODM leader Raila Odinga, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, March 11, says he feels “strong and in good shape”.

Odinga’s doctor, David Oluoch Olunya, confirmed to the public on Thursday night that the veteran politician, 76, who is receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital, had tested positive for COVID-19.

Odinga has said in a statement on Thursday night that the diagnosis was arrived at after “numerous and complicated tests”.

“This evening, I received a briefing from the doctors who have conducted numerous and complicated tests on me for the last two days to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of my health status,” said the former prime minister in his press statement dated March 11.

“While the tests were several, one important result, which I have authorised the doctors to make public is that I have been found to have been exposed to COVID-19,” added Odinga.

‘Strong and in good shape’

The Opposition chief said there is no cause for alarm over his health because he is already feeling “strong and in good shape”.

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

“I take this opportunity to thank the medical personnel for days of very meticulous work they have done to arrive at the diagnosis.

“Finally, I wish to use this opportunity to emphasise to our people that COVID-19 is real, it is in our midst and we need to observe all the measures being put out by the government, scientists and health personnel,” said Odnga, adding: “I thank everyone for the good wishes.”

The ODM leader is suspected to have contracted the disease while on a five-day tour of the coastal region, which began on March 1, 2021.

Raila Odinga was admitted to Nairobi Hospital on Tuesday, March 9. His doctor said, on Wednesday, March 10, that Odinga had gone to the medical facility for “routine medical tests after being overwhelmed by fatigue”.

“He had a rigorous (sic) campaign, and needed to have some check-up. This was carried out successfully. He is still undergoing some further investigations (sic) with a team of doctors and has been advised to take a rest,” said Dr. Olunya in a March 10 press statement.