What Kenyans know so far about Raila Odinga’s health amid controversies
Kenyans have been left with more questions than answers amid growing speculation over Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga’s health, while family members and counterpats issue different reports on his status.
While making a public address Ida Odinga, the wife of Raila Odinga, has dismissed reports that the veteran politician is gravely ill.
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Speaking in Migori on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, Ida questioned where propagandists were getting information about her husband’s health, insisting that he was in good condition and only out of the country for a short rest.
“In the past week, there have been rumours claiming Raila is sick. If his condition were truly as serious as they say, I would have taken him to a hospital here in Migori for treatment,” Ida said.
She expressed surprise that outsiders seemed to know more about Raila’s condition than his own family members.
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“How can someone who doesn’t live with him claim to know his health status, while I, who stays with him, am unaware of any issues?
“What I’m telling you is the truth: Baba is okay,” she added.
ODM communications
Meanwhile, on the other end, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Philip Etale also recently assured Kenyans that party leader Raila Odinga is in good health and high spirits, dispelling rumours circulating on social media about his well-being.
At the time, 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.
“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.
Oburu Odinga
In addition, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who is the immediate sibling of Raila Odinga, has dismissed fears over Raila’s health, saying he is sound, fit, and will soon be appearing in public.
According to Oburu, Raila went for a check-up at a hospital in India.
At the time, Oburu further cleared the air over the health status of his brother, saying that he is up and about but opted to go for a check-up in India, just like any other Kenyan would do.
“There have been a lot of rumours about our party leader, Raila Odinga, that he is very sick, he is almost dying, and he is completely out; however, I want to tell you that he is out and about and just like any other human being, and now he is recuperating,” Oburu said.
The senator said his brother was resting as requested by the doctors, while firmly stating that he is not in the condition as seen on various media platforms and assuring Kenyans that Raila will soon be back.
Oburu issued his remarks on his brother’s health on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Ugunja.
