ODM leaders have strongly condemned Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for allegedly spreading false information about Raila Odinga’s health. During a rally in Siaya County, several party officials accused Gachagua and his allies of deliberately circulating rumours to create confusion and weaken Raila’s political influence. They described the claims as part of a wider scheme to divide the opposition and distract the public from pressing national issues.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga led the criticism, calling Gachagua a divisive figure who thrives on stirring conflict. She contrasted his approach with that of Raila Odinga, whom she praised as a symbol of unity and peace. Wanga said that the Deputy President’s remarks about Raila’s health were not only disrespectful but also reflective of poor political ethics.
Other ODM leaders, including Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, Siaya Woman Representative Christine Ombaka, and Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed, also expressed outrage over the rumours. They accused Gachagua of weaponizing personal health matters for political gain. Buyu demanded to know the source of Gachagua’s claims, insisting that Raila was in good health and actively involved in political engagements.
The ODM Secretariat later released an official statement clarifying that Raila is not ill and continues to fulfill his duties as usual. The statement alleged that the misinformation was part of a coordinated smear campaign supported by other opposition figures and online bloggers seeking to tarnish Raila’s image.
Raila’s spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, dismissed the reports as baseless and politically motivated. He said that such falsehoods are part of a familiar strategy aimed at distracting Raila and creating unnecessary panic among his supporters. Onyango emphasized that if Raila were unwell, he would be transparent about it, as he has always been in the past.
The controversy has sparked broader debate about ethics in politics and the responsibility of leaders to communicate truthfully. ODM leaders have urged politicians to refrain from exploiting personal matters for political mileage, calling instead for respectful and fact-based discourse. The episode highlights how misinformation continues to shape political narratives and test the integrity of Kenya’s democratic space.
IMAGE : CITIZEN DIGITAL
