NAIROBI, Kenya — Ida Odinga, wife of former Prime Minister and veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, has dismissed circulating rumours about her husband’s health, assuring Kenyans that he is fine and that his recent travel abroad was for rest, not medical treatment.
Speaking on Tuesday in Migori, Ida addressed mounting speculation by critics and social media users claiming that Raila was unwell.
“In the past week, people have been disturbed by rumours claiming Raila is sick,” she said. “If his condition were truly as serious as they say, I would have taken him to a hospital here in Migori … He is fine, he is just resting abroad. Baba is okay.”
Ida challenged those spreading allegations, noting that as one who lives with Raila, she is better placed to know his condition than outsiders. She added that he sends his greetings and plans to return soon.
The remarks follow similar assurances from ODM’s Communications Director Philip Etale, who said he spoke with Raila, who reportedly sounded “jovial and happy.”
Etale said the opposition leader asked him to relay greetings to Kenyans and to “pray for those spreading propaganda.”
ODM party officials also clarified that Raila’s departure from the country, which occurred Friday evening, was part of a routine trip, and not a medical journey to Europe as earlier suggested in certain media outlets.
The party secretariat accused political rivals of fueling misinformation campaigns, with ODM alleging that a coalition including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa has used AI-generated images and manipulated content to spread unverified claims about Raila’s health.
While Ida’s clarifications aim to quell fears, they also underscore how Raila’s absence from public view continues to generate intense scrutiny, especially in the run-up to the 2027 election. His sporadic appearances and frequent travels have often been topics of public debate.
Raila Odinga has long been a figure of public curiosity, and his health and whereabouts are closely watched.
During his political career, particularly in 2010 and 2021, he candidly disclosed health challenges, setting public expectations for transparency.
However, the current episode reveals a different dynamic, where silence or absence prompts speculation, and messages from close relations become critical to shaping public perception.
Whether Ida’s assurances will quell concerns or deepen them among skeptics remains to be seen.
