Raila Odinga Is Fine, Not in Europe for Treatment – ODM Clarifies

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Raila Odinga Is Fine, Not in Europe for Treatment – ODM Clarifies

ODM has rubbished reports that party leader Raila Odinga is ill and has been hospitalised abroad.

In a statement issued on Sunday morning, Raila’s office said although he left the country on Friday, his trip was not medical related as reported by the media.

“Hon. Raila travelled out of the country on Friday evening—one of the many trips he has made this year and definitely not the last,” the statement read in part. “He did not travel to Europe as reported by bloggers and broadcast by some media houses. He is not indisposed as prayed for by his frustrated opponents.”

ODM did not disclose Raila’s destination but said the party has always been open about his health whenever necessary. The statement added that if Raila were unwell there would have been an official announcement.

The party also accused the United Opposition coalition led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of spreading false claims about Raila’s health to gain political mileage.

“The political formation of impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his struggling team of Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa among others are on a familiar campaign of misinformation on the health of the former Prime Minister and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga,” ODM Secretariat said.

Some mainstream media houses have been complicit in amplifying these unfounded reports by relying on unverified content from bloggers and even AI generated images.

Raila’s absence from the public eye had sparked speculation especially after The Star ran a headline on Friday October 4 “Where Is Raila?” intensifying public debate on his whereabouts.

His absence coincides with the preparations for the ODM 20th anniversary celebrations which were initially set for October 10-12 in Mombasa but have since been postponed to November 14-16.

The planning committee said the postponement was to allow for greater inclusivity across counties before the grand celebrations. “After careful consideration the Party Leader agreed to our request to expand the program and ensure inclusivity by engaging with more counties before converging in Mombasa for the grand celebrations,” the committee said.

ODM has assured supporters that Raila is in good health and his international engagements are part of his ongoing political and diplomatic commitments.

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Raila Odinga Is Fine, Not in Europe for Treatment – ODM Clarifies