The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretariat has dismissed reports circulating about the health of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, terming them as politically motivated misinformation orchestrated by a group allied to impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a statement issued on October 5, Raila’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango said Gachagua, alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, are behind a “familiar campaign of misinformation” intended to tarnish Raila’s image and destabilize his political standing.
“The misinformation is broadcast by the same team that went on a frenzy against Hon. Raila’s bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission earlier this year,” Onyango said, accusing sections of the media of “happily picking feeds from bloggers and broadcasting them as some kind of investigative breaking news.”
Onyango clarified that Odinga was not indisposed, contrary to reports suggesting he had been hospitalized or traveled abroad for treatment.
Where is Raila?
He said Raila had left the country Friday evening for one of his many international trips, adding that it was “definitely not the last.”
“Hon. Raila has a strong tradition of being open and generous with the country on matters of his health,” the statement read. “He would do the same today were he to be in the health situation his opponents wish.”
The ODM Secretariat maintained that Raila remains committed to the ideals of the Broad-Based Government, stating his belief in dialogue and national unity even amid political attacks.
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“Home or away, Raila remains steadfast in his belief that extreme threats to the nation require extreme compromises in the interest of the nation,” Onyango said, noting that the opposition leader’s focus remains on national stability, not political drama.
The party dismissed what it called a “desperate attempt” by Raila’s political rivals to exploit false health rumors for political mileage, reiterating that Odinga is not indisposed, as prayed for by his frustrated opponents.
Raila Has Always Been Transparent
Onyango said Odinga has consistently been open with Kenyans about his medical history, citing moments when he publicly addressed his health while serving as Prime Minister in 2010 and later as Opposition leader in 2021.
“Raila has always been forthright with the nation on matters of his health,” Onyango said.
“He informed Kenyans when he underwent a medical procedure in June 2010 and again when he was diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2021. He would do the same today if he were unwell, contrary to what his opponents claim.”
Onyango added that the ODM leader remains steadfast in his belief in inclusive governance and national unity through compromise, reiterating his commitment to the ideals of a broad-based government.
Speculations on His Health
His remarks came amid growing speculation on social media over Odinga’s health following his brief absence from the public eye.
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The rumors intensified online, with some users alleging that the veteran politician had been hospitalized abroad.
Odinga reappeared on Friday, October 3, when he met ODM officials to discuss preparations for the party’s 20th anniversary.
Following the meeting, the party announced that the celebrations initially scheduled for October 10 to 12 in Mombasa had been pushed to November 14 to 16, 2025.
Junet Mohamed said the decision was made to allow more time for county engagements ahead of the national event.
“After careful consideration, the Party Leader graciously agreed to our request to expand the program and ensure inclusivity by engaging with more counties before converging in Mombasa for the grand celebrations,” Junet Mohamed announced.
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