For decades, senior Kenyan politicians have often sought advanced medical care outside the country when faced with serious or complex health conditions. Popular destinations include the United States, Germany, India, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates, which are perceived to offer specialised facilities not readily available locally. While many of these medical trips ended in recovery, others tragically concluded with the deaths of the patients.
TUKO.co.ke highlights several well-known Kenyan politicians whose health challenges required treatment abroad, reflecting a long-standing trend among the political elite to seek foreign medical intervention.
1. Moses Kuria
Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria flew to Dubai after sustaining severe burns from an electric mat accident. After initial treatment in Nairobi, he was transferred for advanced stem cell surgery.
2. Raila Odinga
ODM leader Raila Odinga traveled to the UAE in 2020, where he underwent a minor back procedure. His family clarified that the surgery was precautionary and successful.
3. Anyang’ Nyong’o
In 2010, Anyang’ Nyong’o sought treatment in the United States after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Months of specialised therapy led to his recovery.
4. Yusuf Hassan
Former Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan received long-term treatment in South Africa following serious injuries from a terror attack in Nairobi.
5. Joyce Laboso
The late Bomet governor sought cancer treatment in the UK and India before passing away in 2019.
6. Ken Okoth
Kibra MP Ken Okoth died in 2019 after battling colorectal cancer, shortly after returning from treatment in France.
By tuko