The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a strong rebuttal to widespread speculation about the health and whereabouts of its party leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, calling the reports a “deliberate campaign of misinformation.”
In a statement released on Sunday, October 5, 2025, the party condemned what it described as an orchestrated effort by political figures and bloggers to spread falsehoods about Odinga’s condition. ODM specifically accused individuals allied with impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, alongside Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, of leading the smear campaign.
According to ODM, the same group had previously launched similar online attacks during Raila’s African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid earlier this year.
“The hope of this team then and now is to bully man, Raila, to provide for them to ride on in their struggle against President William Ruto,” the party stated on X.
Raila’s Whereabouts Clarified
ODM clarified that Raila left the country on Friday evening for one of his routine official and personal trips — dismissing claims that he had travelled to Europe or that he was unwell.
“He did not travel to Europe as reported by bloggers and broadcast by some media houses. No, he is not indisposed, as prayed for by his frustrated opponents,” the statement read.
The party reminded the public that Raila has always been open about his health, referencing moments when he personally disclosed his hospitalization and Covid-19 diagnosis in 2021. ODM accused sections of the media of irresponsibly amplifying unverified reports and fabricated images from online sources.
Commitment to National Unity
Reaffirming his political presence and engagement, ODM stated that Raila remains actively involved in national and international matters, emphasizing his commitment to unity and inclusive governance.
“Home or away, Raila remains committed to the ideals of the broad-based government. He remains steadfast in his belief that extreme threats to the nation require extreme compromises in the interest of the nation,” ODM concluded.
ODM’s statement seeks to shut down speculation surrounding Raila Odinga’s health while highlighting ongoing political tensions within Kenya’s opposition circles. The party maintains that Raila remains focused, healthy, and fully engaged in advancing national dialogue and unity both locally and abroad.
