Orengo says Raila is well amid speculation over his health
By Aloys Michael, October 8, 2025Siaya Governor James Orengo has assured Kenyans that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga, is fine, urging them to shun propaganda.
The remarks came in response to an October 5, 2025, statement by ODM, accusing the opposition faction of spreading false information about Raila’s health, including unverified claims that Raila had travelled to Europe for medical treatment.
Also watch: Women leaders lead defense of Raila Odinga amid health speculation
Speaking on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, during an interview on a local TV station, Orengo said that the ODM leader has nothing to hide from Kenyans.
“Raila is well. I know he is well. And unlike many political leaders, Raila talks openly; when he is admitted to the hospital is a matter of public knowledge. Leave alone these guesses that people are making,” he stated.
Incidentally, Mama Ida Odinga, Raila’s wife, has also dismissed widespread rumours circulating on social media claiming that the former Prime Minister is unwell.
Speaking at a function in Nyanza on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Ida assured Kenyans that Raila Odinga is in good health and urged the public to ignore the false reports.
“Raila Odinga is fine,” she told the gathering.
She questioned how people who do not live with Raila could claim to know about his health, saying she is unaware of any illness.
“Someone who is not staying with him knows that Raila is sick, yet I don’t know,” she remarked.
The reports caused concern among supporters and political observers, prompting clarification from the Odinga family.
Raila, though ODM’s communication director, Philip Etale, has told off Kenyans who are spreading propaganda about his health.
Etale revealed that the former Prime Minister is jovial and happy, wondering why people would spread the false information.
“I have spoken with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga just under five minutes ago. He is jovial and happy. “I am seeing people spreading so much propaganda online; let’s keep praying for them”, he says.”
“He has sent me to convey his greetings to all of you and says he will be back in a few days.”