NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has denied claims that he was behind social media rumours concerning the health of ODM leader Raila Odinga, describing the accusations as “cheap political theatrics” by the opposition party.
Speaking in Nyali on Sunday, October 5, Gachagua said he spent the previous day with Nyali MP Mohammed Ali and was offline, dismissing the suggestion that he circulated any misinformation.
“I am very saddened by ODM; it has sunk so low. I spent the whole of yesterday with Mohammed Ali and never had access to social media. I was not even aware of any rumours about Raila,” he stated.
Gachagua said ODM’s statement accusing him and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka of spreading false reports was “amateurish,” arguing that if Raila were well, the party needed no official rebuttal.
“If a leader is said to be unwell and he is well, you just ignore and go on with life. You don’t have to write a letter,” he said, accusing ODM of exploiting the situation for political mileage.
The former DP further claimed the statement was part of a broader political scheme to drive a wedge between the Luo community and Kalonzo Musyoka ahead of 2027, saying: “If Raila will not run and supports Ruto, some people in Luo Nyanza are saying they would back Kalonzo because he stood with Raila for 15 years. This is political mischief meant to sow division.”
In a swift rejoinder, Raila’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango accused Gachagua and Kalonzo of orchestrating “misinformation” about Raila’s health to discredit him politically.
“The same team that attacked Raila’s African Union Commission bid is behind this falsehood, using bloggers and AI-generated content to mislead the public,” Onyango said, confirming that Raila had travelled abroad on Friday, October 3, for personal engagements.
The Wiper Party dismissed the claims as “reckless and malicious,” insisting Kalonzo bore no ill will toward Raila.
“The two leaders share a long history of cooperation and mutual respect,” the party said.
The latest war of words underscores deepening fault lines in Kenya’s opposition ranks, where shifting alliances and succession politics continue to fuel public spats, and where, once again, Raila Odinga’s name remains at the centre of political storms.
