ODM leaders tell off Gachagua over Raila’s health speculation
By Eric Juma, October 5, 2025ODM leaders have accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of meddling in the personal affairs of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, warning him to desist from spreading rumours about Raila’s health.
Leading the condemnation were ODM Chair Gladys Wanga, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, and Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Atieno Bensouda.
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They dismissed circulating rumours, saying anyone wishing ill on the former premier for political gain was “daydreaming.”
Speaking at the “Sigand Nyi Nam” forum on Sunday, October 5, 2025, leaders urged opposition figures, particularly Gachagua, to stop meddling in Raila’s personal life, noting that such tactics would not win them political support.
They accused Gachagua of repeatedly bringing up Raila in political discourse as a sign of running out of ideas.
“Gachagua has run out of ideas, that’s why he keeps on mentioning Raila everywhere. We warn him to desist from talking ill about Raila. The former premier does not match him politically,” the leaders said.
Bensouda emphasised the moral responsibility of political leaders, stressing that joking about someone’s life for political mileage is unacceptable.
“We don’t discuss leaders stupidly, and want to beseech today Gachagua to stop joking with Raila’s life. He is not your agemet, calibre or in your league,” Bensouda said.
“We were all created in the image of God, and there is nobody who can joke with life of somebody, so by Gachagua working on assumptions to get political mileage is wrong. As Luos, we are going to dedicate Raila in prayer. The work of the devil will not succeed on Raila’s life,” she added.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi echoed the call, urging Christians across the country to pray for Raila’s health and full recovery.
“We wish him well. We have him in our thoughts and prayers, and we ask God to bless him,” Omondi said.
The leaders’ remarks follow ODM’s statement dismissing claims that Raila Odinga is battling health issues. The party clarified that Odinga left the country on Friday for an undisclosed mission and blamed opposition figures for spreading the rumours to undermine his credibility.
Despite assurances from Raila’s close associates that he is busy and in good health, the former prime minister has remained largely absent from public events for nearly two weeks, sparking speculation about his well-being.