Editor's Review

  • Odinga also tested positive for Covid-19 in March this year and becomes the latest high profile politician to take the vaccine.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday received his first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19.

In a statement, the ODM leader called on all eligible Kenyans to get vaccinated.

Odinga asked the government to make arrangements for mass vaccinations as soon as the expected vaccines arrive in the country, in August.

"This afternoon I got the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine jab. Having been a victim of this deadly virus I urge all those who are currently eligible for vaccination to get vaccinated."

"I appeal to the government to make concrete arrangements for mass vaccination once the vaccines land and, I also strongly encourage Kenyans to feel free to take the jab. We will overcome the virus!" said Odinga.

[ODM leader Raila Odinga Receives First Jab of Covid-19 Vaccine]

The former PM takes the vaccine a few days after ODM Director of Communications, Philip Etale announced that he had tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time.

"Dear friends, I am battling a second attack of COVID-19. Since Monday last week, my body was acting funny with a deep cough and blocked noses and headache. I thought it was normal flu and bought a cough syrup and antibiotics from over the counter. However, the condition worsened to the extent that I couldn’t sleep. My body weakened by day forcing me to visit the Aga Khan Hospital for tests. All tests turned negative. The doctor then advised me to go for Covid-19 test which I did and the result posted positive. My dear friends, this wave is serious. I lost sense of smell and appetite. The body aches are excruciating and unbearable. The headache is severe and the whole body is tired. The waist line is painful to the extent I can’t wake up to walk. My nights are painful with no sleep. Dear friends, this is not a joke. Luckily, my oxygen levels are above 90 which my doctor says is good," said Etale.

Odinga also tested positive for Covid-19 in March this year and becomes the latest high profile politician to take the vaccine.