‘Pray for them’ – Raila sends message to doubters amid health claims
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Philip Etale has assured Kenyans that party leader Raila Odinga is in good health and high spirits, dispelling rumours circulating on social media about his well-being.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Etale said he had personally spoken to Raila, who sounded cheerful and positive, urging supporters to ignore false reports.
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“I have spoken with H.E. 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 stated.
According to Etale, Raila sent warm greetings to his supporters and assured them that he would be returning soon.
“He has sent me to convey his greetings to all of you and says he will be back in a few days,” Etale added.
Propaganda
This comes a day after ODM leaders 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 of 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 Gachagua today to stop joking with Raila’s life. He is not your age mate, calibre or in your league,” Bensouda said.
“We were all created in the image of God, and there is nobody who can joke with the life of somebody, so 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 in Raila’s life,” she added.
