- Ida Odinga says Raila is healthy and only resting abroad.
- She dismissed rumours claiming the ODM leader is sick.
- ODM officials accuse political rivals of spreading falsehoods using AI-generated content.
- Raila reportedly spoke to allies and sent greetings to Kenyans.
- His absence from public view continues to attract public speculation.
Ida Odinga, wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has spoken out to dismiss growing rumours about her husband’s health, assuring Kenyans that he is in good condition and only took time off to rest abroad.
Speaking in Migori on Tuesday, Ida said recent claims circulating online suggesting Raila was sick were completely false.
“In the past week, people have been disturbed by rumours claiming Raila is sick,” she said. “If his condition were truly as serious as they say, I would have taken him to a hospital here in Migori … He is fine, he is just resting abroad. Baba is okay.”
Ida further stated that she, as the person closest to him, is best placed to confirm his well-being. She added that Raila had sent his greetings and will return soon.
ODM’s Communications Director Philip Etale also confirmed that he had spoken with Raila, describing him as “jovial and happy.”
Etale said the ODM leader asked him to greet Kenyans and “pray for those spreading propaganda.”
The ODM secretariat clarified that Raila’s recent trip abroad on Friday evening was routine and not a medical trip as claimed in some media outlets.
The party further accused political rivals, including allies of Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa, of spreading misinformation using AI-generated images and manipulated content.
Raila Odinga’s health and travels often attract public attention. Over the years, he has openly discussed his medical experiences, including in 2010 and 2021, which created expectations of transparency among Kenyans.
However, his recent low profile has fueled speculation, highlighting how absence or silence from prominent leaders often triggers public curiosity.
Whether Ida’s reassurance will calm growing concerns or invite more scrutiny remains to be seen as the 2027 elections draw closer.
