Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - ODM leader, Raila Odinga, has addressed growing speculation surrounding his health and whereabouts, assuring Kenyans that he is well and will return soon.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, October 7th,
ODM’s Communications Director, Philip Etale, confirmed that he had spoken
directly with Odinga, who was in high spirits.
“I have spoken with Raila Odinga just under five minutes
ago.”
“He is jovial and happy. He has sent me to convey his
greetings to all of you and says he will be back in a few days,” Etale said.
The clarification follows a weekend of intense speculation
on social media, prompting a response from Raila’s spokesperson, Dennis
Onyango.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 5th,
Onyango accused opposition figures, led by former Deputy President Rigathi
Gachagua, of fueling the misinformation in a bid to pressure Odinga into
joining their political campaign against President William Ruto.
Onyango further claimed that sections of traditional media
were amplifying unverified content, including AI-generated images, as breaking
news.
He clarified that Odinga had traveled abroad on Friday,
October 3rd, as part of his regular engagements.
“Hon. Raila travelled out of the country on Friday evening,
one of the many trips he has made this year, and definitely not the last,” said
Onyango.
Highlighting Odinga’s history of transparency, Onyango cited
past disclosures, including his hospitalization in 2010 and COVID-19 diagnosis
in 2021.
“Raila
has a strong tradition of being open and generous with the country on matters
of his health.”
“He
told the country that he was undergoing a procedure when he was hospitalized as
a sitting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya in June 2010.”
“He
told the country that he was diagnosed with COVID and hospitalized as
Opposition leader in 2021.”
“He
would do the same today were he to be in the health situation his opponents
wish,” Onyango added.
In response, Gachagua denied involvement, saying he spent
Saturday with Nyali MP, Mohammed Ali, and was unaware of any rumors.
He criticized ODM’s accusations as baseless and politically
motivated.
“I am
very saddened by ODM; it has sunk so low. Since they allowed William Ruto to
destroy ODM, it is no longer the party it was.”
“I
spent the whole of yesterday with Mohammed Ali. I never had access to social
media, and I slept early.”
“This
morning, when I woke, I was told there is a letter that ODM is accusing me and
Kalonzo of giving, misinformation that Raila is unwell.”
“I
was not even aware whether he is unwell or if there are rumors that he is
unwell,” he said.
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