The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has dismissed widespread reports claiming that party leader Raila Odinga is gravely ill, describing them as false and politically motivated. In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, the opposition party accused a faction led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of spreading misinformation to create panic and tarnish Odinga’s image.
According to ODM, Raila recently left the country on official engagements, which explains his brief absence from the public scene. The party assured Kenyans that the former Prime Minister is in good health and continues to discharge his duties as usual. “Honourable Raila Odinga has always been open about his health status,” the statement read. “If he were unwell, he would have made it known to the public, as he has done before.”
The party cited past instances to back its claims of transparency. In 2010, while serving as Prime Minister, Odinga personally announced when he underwent surgery, and in 2021, he publicly revealed that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and shared updates on his recovery. ODM argued that these examples prove that Raila has never hidden matters concerning his wellbeing from the public, dismissing the latest reports as deliberate attempts to mislead Kenyans.
The statement went on to accuse certain political figures—including Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa—of working together to advance the false narrative. ODM alleged that the group was using media platforms, bloggers, and even doctored or AI-generated images to spread disinformation. The party described this as part of a larger scheme to discredit Raila’s leadership and destabilize ODM ahead of future political contests.
“This is not the first time our opponents have resorted to propaganda,” the party asserted, recalling earlier instances where Raila’s integrity and international engagements were questioned. “The same political actors continue to manufacture lies, hoping to gain cheap publicity and create unnecessary tension among our supporters.”
ODM further noted that Raila remains deeply engaged in national and continental issues, particularly through his bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship, a role that reflects his continued influence beyond Kenya’s borders. The party assured supporters that he remains active and that his temporary absence from the local political scene should not be interpreted as weakness or incapacity.
The allegations of illness began circulating last week on social media, quickly gaining traction as supporters and critics alike speculated about Odinga’s condition. The rumours prompted a wave of concern, with some posts suggesting he was hospitalized abroad. ODM’s clarification aims to put those claims to rest, emphasizing that the reports are unfounded and part of a coordinated misinformation campaign.
This incident highlights the growing challenge of disinformation in Kenya’s political arena, where social media often amplifies falsehoods faster than facts can catch up. ODM’s swift response suggests the party is keenly aware of the political damage such rumours can inflict, especially on a leader of Raila’s stature.
As the political climate intensifies ahead of upcoming elections, the party has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and verify information before sharing it. “We encourage our supporters and the public to rely on official communication from the party,” ODM concluded. “Raila Odinga is healthy, strong, and continues to serve Kenya and Africa with dedication.”
Image : The Standard
