Mama Ida Odinga, the wife of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, has dismissed widespread rumours circulating on social media claiming that the former Prime Minister is unwell.
Speaking at a function in Nyanza on Tuesday, Ida assured Kenyans that Raila Odinga is in good health and urged the public to ignore the false reports.
“Raila Odinga is fine,” she said firmly, emphasizing that there is no cause for alarm over her husband’s well-being.
She questioned how people who do not live with Raila could claim to know about his health, saying she is unaware of any illness.
“Someone who is not staying with him knows that Raila is sick, yet I don’t know,” she remarked.
Her statement came after speculation mounted online suggesting that the ODM leader had fallen ill.
The reports caused concern among supporters and political observers, prompting clarification from the Odinga family.
Ida urged Kenyans to be responsible and refrain from spreading unverified information, especially about public figures. She also noted that Raila continues to engage actively in his political and community activities, maintaining his routine.
Her assurance brought calm to supporters who had become concerned about his health.
ODM, in a statement, blamed some opposition figures for fueling what it described as "false reports" regarding Raila's health.
This is after it was alleged that Raila had left the country for Europe to undergo treatment.
In an interview with KTN on October 5, Former DP Rigathi Gachagua denied involvement in spreading information about Raila's health, terming the accusation as unfounded.
According to Gachagua, the only way Raila could dispel doubts about his health was through public appearance rather than written communication, further faulting his communication team for engaging in a blame game.
He urged Raila to take a lesson from former President Daniel arap Moi, who would often appear in public to silence rumours about his health.
Meanwhile, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale also confirmed that Raila Odinga is in good health. Etale said he had spoken to the former Prime Minister and described him as cheerful and in high spirits.
“I have spoken with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga just under five minutes ago. He is jovial and happy. I am seeing people spreading so much propaganda online; let’s keep praying for them,” he said.
“He has sent me to convey his greetings to all of you and says he will be back in a few days.”
