Former Kenyan Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has addressed swirling rumors about his health, dismissing them as “propaganda” and confirming he is in good spirits while abroad. The 80-year-old opposition stalwart, who has been absent from the public eye for several days, conveyed his message through a close aide, amid widespread speculation on social media platforms about his well-being.
ODM Communications Director Philip Etale shared the update on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, stating that he had spoken with Odinga just minutes earlier. “I have spoken with HE @RailaOdinga just under five minutes ago. He is jovial and happy,” Etale wrote. “I am seeing people spreading so much propaganda online, let’s keep praying for them,” Odinga reportedly said, according to Etale. The aide added that Odinga sent greetings to Kenyans and plans to return home “in a few days.”
The statement comes in response to rampant online rumors suggesting Odinga may be seriously ill or hospitalized. Posts on X have speculated about his condition, with some claiming he was spotted at King’s College Hospital, a luxury medical facility in Dubai. Others have gone further, questioning if he is “alive or dead,” or even jokingly offering rewards for information on his whereabouts. One user quipped, “What if Raila Odinga is dead,” reflecting the intensity of the unverified chatter.
Odinga’s allies have pushed back against the speculation, urging the public to disregard the claims. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir, in a video message, called out those spreading rumors, saying, “Keep Raila’s name out of your mouths.” Another supporter emphasized that Odinga is “in excellent health and currently on a private retreat at an undisclosed location,” framing his absence as a time for rest and reflection.
Critics, however, have accused ODM of lacking transparency. Political commentator Fredrick Bundi argued that the party’s handling of the situation is doing more harm, stating, “If Baba is sick, just let the public know. Nobody is happy at his illness, but if you keep hiding it, the wind will blow on a bad day, and the truth will be exposed.” Others linked the rumors to broader political tensions, with some suggesting Odinga’s reduced influence under President William Ruto’s administration has diminished public concern for his health.
The speculation has also highlighted ongoing debates about secrecy surrounding the health of African leaders, with one analysis noting that Odinga’s silence “revives Africa’s tradition of political secrecy.” In Kenya, where Odinga remains a towering figure in opposition politics and is currently pursuing the African Union Commission chairperson position, his health has long been a topic of public interest given his age and history of activism.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Odinga had not personally posted on social media or appeared in public to address the rumors directly. His expected return could quell the online frenzy, but the episode underscores the rapid spread of misinformation in Kenya’s vibrant digital space. Kenyans continue to monitor developments, with many expressing well-wishes for the veteran politician regardless of the veracity of the claims.
