Raila was indisposed but recuperating in India – Oburu

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga/FILE

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has assured Kenyans that ODM leader Raila Odinga is in good health and recovering in India after being slightly indisposed.

Speaking to the media, Oburu dismissed reports claiming that Raila was in critical condition, terming them exaggerated and inaccurate.

“I want to tell you that Raila is up and about. Just like any other human being, he was indisposed a little and is now recuperating and resting,” Oburu said.

He emphasized that the former Prime Minister’s condition was not as serious as reported in some sections of the media.

“He was not in those conditions that have been put in the press. I want to clarify that, and very soon you will see him,” he added.

The senator confirmed that Raila is currently in India, where he is resting and recovering.

His remarks come amid heightened speculation about Raila’s health and whereabouts following his recent absence from public events.

The confirmation comes a few days after Mama Ida Odinga dismissed widespread rumours circulating on social media claiming that the former Prime Minister was unwell. 

Speaking at a function in Nyanza, Ida assured Kenyans that Raila was 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. 

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. 

In an earlier statement, Raila’s spokesperson dismissed ill-health reports, terming them false and politically motivated.

Dennis Onyango accused a section of political figures led by impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa of orchestrating a “familiar campaign of misinformation” targeting the opposition leader.

According to the statement, the alleged misinformation is being spread by the same team that previously attacked Odinga’s bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission earlier this year.

“The misinformation is broadcast by the same team that went on a frenzy against Hon. Raila’s bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission earlier this year,” the statement read.

The Secretariat accused the politicians of co-opting sections of the media and bloggers to spread false information, including AI-generated images, which are then circulated as breaking news.

“The hope of this team then and now is to bully Hon. Raila to provide a back for them to ride on in their struggle against President William Ruto,” Onyango said.

He emphasized that Raila Odinga has always been open and transparent about his health, citing past instances when he publicly disclosed his medical condition.