"He is fine": Ida Odinga dismisses rumours on Raila’s health

By Newsflash Repoter

Mama Ida Odinga, the wife of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, has dismissed widespread rumours circulating on social media claiming that the former Prime Minister is unwell.

Speaking during a community function in Nyanza on Tuesday, Ida assured Kenyans that Raila is in good health and urged the public to ignore the misleading claims.

“Raila Odinga is fine,” she stated firmly, emphasizing that there was no cause for alarm regarding her husband’s well-being.

She also questioned the credibility of those spreading the falsehoods, wondering how individuals who do not live with Raila could claim to know more about his health than she does.

“Someone who is not staying with him knows that Raila is sick, yet I don’t know,” she said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Rumours trigger concern among supporters

Her statement came after speculation mounted online suggesting that the ODM leader had fallen ill. The reports had caused anxiety among his supporters and political observers, prompting clarification from the Odinga family.

Ida urged Kenyans to be responsible and avoid spreading unverified information, particularly about public figures. She noted that Raila continues to actively participate in political and community engagements, maintaining his usual routine.

Her assurance calmed supporters who had been worried about his health following a series of social media posts alleging that the ODM leader was undergoing treatment abroad.

ODM defends Raila and blames political rivals

The ODM Party Secretariat issued a statement condemning the rumours and accusing some opposition figures of fueling the “false reports” about Raila’s health for political gain.

According to the party, Raila had indeed travelled out of the country, but the trip was part of his regular engagements abroad and not related to any illness.

The statement sought to assure Kenyans that the ODM leader was well and would resume his political activities upon return.

Gachagua denies involvement

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was accused by some ODM officials of helping spread misinformation about Raila’s health, denied the allegations in an interview with KTN News on October 5.

He described the claims as baseless, saying that Raila’s communication team was wrong to point fingers at political rivals instead of addressing the issue directly.

Gachagua added that the most effective way for Raila to dispel the rumours was to make a public appearance, just as former President Daniel arap Moi used to do whenever there were similar concerns about his health.

“The only way to end speculation is to appear before the people. That is what leaders like Moi used to do,” Gachagua said.

ODM communication director reassures public

Meanwhile, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale also confirmed that Raila is in good health.

“I have spoken with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga just under five minutes ago. He is jovial and happy. I am seeing people spreading so much propaganda online; let’s keep praying for them,” Etale said in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).

“He has sent me to convey his greetings to all of you and says he will be back in a few days,” he added.

Etale’s confirmation and Ida’s remarks were widely shared online, helping dispel fears and restoring calm among Raila’s supporters across the country.