Raila’s office calls the health rumours false and politically motivated.
The Raila Odinga Secretariat has come out strongly to reject claims about the ODM leader’s health, branding them as part of a “well-worn campaign of misinformation.”
According to a statement issued by Raila’s spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, the rumours were allegedly pushed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa.
Onyango said the move reflects a pattern similar to the smear campaigns Raila faced while seeking the African Union Commission chairmanship earlier this year. He suggested that the team behind the rumours hopes to use Raila’s image to advance their fights with President William Ruto.
“The hope of this team then and now is to bully Hon. Raila to provide a back form to ride on in their struggle against President William Ruto,” Onyango stated.
Addressing specific claims, Onyango explained that Raila had neither been hospitalised nor travelled to Europe for treatment. Instead, he noted that the ODM leader left the country on Friday evening for one of his regular trips.
“Home or away, Hon. Raila remains committed to the ideals of the Broad-Based Government,” he added, stressing that Raila’s health is not an issue of concern.
The statement further assured Kenyans that Raila continues to actively engage in efforts to build national unity and dialogue, despite attempts by what it described as “frustrated opponents” to paint a different picture.
