Editor's Review

  • The vaccine is expected to be administered in the country by February next year. 
  • The ODM leader wants to take the vaccine publicly to boost confidence. 

ODM party leader Raila Odinga has said he is ready to take the Coronavirus vaccine publicly once it is approved.

His sentiments come as the government prepares to roll out the vaccine in February next year. 

Speaking during an interview on KTN News on Wednesday, Raila acknowledged that several tests have to be conducted to ensure the vaccines are fit for use.

The former Prime Minister noted that he would participate in the exercise to boost confidence by Kenyans.

“If this vaccine is proven to be safe for use, there is no reason why I will not be ready. If it will help to encourage our people to take it in order to contain this pandemic,” he said.

On whether the government has handled the pandemic well, Odinga said Covid-19 caught the world unaware, and most countries were not prepared.

Raila, however, applauded Kenya for its quick response in containing the pandemic. 

“They did their best but they could have done better. On a scale of 1-10 I would give them a seven,” he said.

After calling out health workers to put the interests of Kenyans first, Odinga stated that his comments were taken out of context.

“I did not vilify them…lives of innocent Kenyans risk being lost. I just told them to sympathize with Kenyans as they made their demands,” he said.

The ODM leader was criticized for pushing the BBI instead of championing the rights of medics.