Raila visits ailing retired bishop who facilitated his escape into exile

Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Sunday paid a visit to his ailing long-term friend, Archbishop Emeritus Zacchaeus Okoth.

Okoth is currently undergoing treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu.

In a post on his X page, Raila shared photos while with Okoth and some attending doctors in the hospital room as he wished him quick recovery.

Reflecting on his enduring friendship, Raila noted that Okoth selflessly enabled his exile to Uganda 'during difficult times'.

"I visited Archbishop Emeritus Zacchaeus Okoth, who is currently hospitalised, to wish him a speedy recovery," Raila said.

He added: "He selflessly enabled my passage to Uganda and ultimate exile during difficult times and I remain grateful."

Okoth who retired five years ago was ordained into priesthood aged 26.

He was installed as the archbishop of Kisumu in May 1990.

He is one of the church leaders who gave the Kanu regime and late president Mwai Kibaki's government sleepless nights through his hard hitting sermons.

Raila once narrated while in Kisumu how Okoth helped him to escape police who were pursuing him during the crackdown on anti-government politicians in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Raila said Okoth had him sneaked out of Ukweli Pastoral Centre under the cover of darkness, dressed as a priest, and even helped him board a boat that ferried him to Uganda through Lake Victoria.