Raila Odinga Addresses Speculation on His Health

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Raila Odinga, has dismissed social media claims that he is unwell.

In a statement on Sunday, October 5, Raila’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango accused the opposition camp led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of orchestrating the misinformation.

Onyango claimed that the united opposition team is trying to bully Raila into supporting their political fight against President William Ruto.

“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.

“Gachagua, Kalonzo & co have co-opted sections of the traditional media that are happily picking feeds from bloggers, including AI-generated images, and broadcasting them as some kind of investigative breaking news,” read the statement in part.

Onyango clarified that the former Prime Minister travelled out of the country on Friday, October 3.

“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.

He continued, “He definitely did not travel to Europe as reported by bloggers and broadcast by some media houses. He is not indisposed, as prayed for by his frustrated opponents.

Further, Onyango pointed out that the ODM leader has always been transparent about his health.

He cited past instances when he publicly disclosed medical procedures during his time as Prime Minister in 2010 and when he contracted COVID-19 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.

Additionally, he said the ODM leader is committed to the ideals of a broad-based government and his belief in national unity through compromise.

The clarification by Onyango comes after speculation about Raila’s health sparked debate on social media.

The rumors about Raila’s health arose following his absence from the public eye for nearly two weeks.

Netizens questioned about his whereabouts and well-being, with some alleging that the ODM leader was unwell and hospitalized.

Raila resurfaced on Friday, October 3, when he met with ODM officials in preparation for the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

Following the meeting, the party announced that the main celebrations in Mombasa have been rescheduled following a consultative meeting.

The celebrations, which were slated to take place from October 10th to 12th, 2025, will now be held from November 14th to 16th, 2025.

"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.