Raila Odinga’s daughter Rosemary Akeyo has officially announced her withdrawal from the Kibra MP race citing medical grounds.
Rosemary’s announcement comes a week after her name was conspicuously missing from the list of Nairobi parliamentary aspirants set to battle it out in the ODM primaries.
In a video message to Kibra constituents, Rosemary, who has been campaigning for the seat for about two years, lauded her supporters and thanked them for standing with her.
“Over the past 30 years I have fallen in love with the people of Kibra. You have walked hand in hand with my family, we have laughed together, and we have mourned together. I must say, the past two years have been the honour of my life getting to engage in the place known as the ‘Heart Beat’ of Kenyan politics, not only as a voter but also as a competitor. The spirit of the people of Kibra and their passion for justice has always inspired us as a family to champion their interests both in and out of parliament,” Rosemary said on Monday.
She further revealed that she will continue serving the people but in a different capacity.
“It is following my doctor’s advice, that for the time being, I will continue serving my community in other capacities and regrettably bow out of the race for Member of Parliament. I would like to thank each and every person that supported my bid and the people of Kibra for opening their hearts and homes to me. I will forever cherish your outpouring love and prayers,” she said. has been sick from March this year and is recuperating at an undisclosed South African medical facility after undergoing surgery to remove a brain
Rosemary has been sick from March this year and is recuperating at a South African medical facility after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumour.
She was flown to South Africa on February 28 for treatment on meningioma after being admitted to the Aga Khan and Nairobi hospitals for eight days.
Rosemary, 39, is functionally the first born following the death of her older brother Fidel on January 4, 2015.
Watch the video below:
