For weeks, Kenyans have been anxious over the whereabouts and health of ODM leader Raila Odinga, who has been away from public life since early September. The silence surrounding the veteran politician sparked widespread speculation and false reports online.
Some social media users even shared old photos claiming that Raila had been hospitalised, fuelling panic among his supporters.
Ida Odinga Speaks Out
To clear the air, Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga, addressed the rumours on October 8, dismissing claims that her husband was critically ill.
She termed the reports false and politically motivated, assuring Kenyans that Raila was doing well.
“Someone who doesn’t live with him cannot claim to know his condition better than I do,” she stated, urging Kenyans to stop spreading lies.
Her remarks echoed an earlier statement from Raila’s office, which confirmed that he was safe and currently out of the country on a routine trip.
Oburu Oginga Gives Fresh Update
Despite these reassurances, speculation continued until Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, offered a more detailed update on October 11.
He confirmed that Raila had been “slightly unwell” but had since recovered and was regaining his strength.
Oburu revealed that Raila was in India, not Europe or Dubai as some had claimed, and insisted that his condition was not serious.
Raila’s Office Responds
Through his spokesperson Dennis Onyango, Raila dismissed the ongoing rumours, describing them as a political misinformation campaign. Onyango reiterated that the ODM leader was on one of his regular private trips abroad and remained in good health.
While his children, including Winnie Odinga, have stayed silent, the family’s statements appear intended to end the growing public anxiety and silence weeks of speculation over the opposition leader’s health.
