Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga says “bad flu” has kept him from taking part in the three-day street protests that he called for over the cost of living and tax hikes.

“It is not a must that opposition leaders have to be seen on the streets,” Mr Odinga told a Kenyan TV station about the protests that are due to end today.

The veteran politician, who lost disputed presidential elections last year, said “game-changing” demonstrations belonged to the people and were not his alone.

He denied suggestions his absence was a ploy to do a deal with President William Ruto, adding he was not seeking to be a part of the government.

“We have not, and we will not seek a ‘handshake arrangement’,” the opposition leader said referring to the name for the deal he made with the previous President, Uhuru Kenyatta.

Source:BBC