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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has refuted claims about his health, as a political spat intensifies with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the ODM party trading accusations over the origin and intent of the rumours.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has dismissed widespread online speculation regarding his health, assuring Kenyans that he is well and in high spirits. The reassurance comes after a weekend of intense social media activity concerning his whereabouts and condition.
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, ODM Communications Director Philip Etale confirmed he had spoken with Odinga, who conveyed greetings to Kenyans and indicated he would be back in a few days. Odinga himself, in a message shared by Etale, urged prayers for those spreading what he termed "propaganda online."
The situation has quickly evolved into a political confrontation, with Odinga's spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, accusing a faction led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of orchestrating and fueling the misinformation. Onyango alleged that this group, which also includes Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, is attempting to pressure Odinga into supporting their political campaign against President William Ruto.
Gachagua, however, has vehemently denied these claims, stating he was not active on social media during the period of intense speculation. Speaking on Sunday, October 5, 2025, Gachagua dismissed ODM's accusations as baseless and politically motivated, suggesting the party had "sunk so low." He further questioned the necessity of ODM issuing a formal statement if Odinga was indeed in good health, describing the move as "amateurish."
Wiper Party, through its Secretary General Shakila Aballa, also refuted ODM's allegations, calling them "baseless, desperate, and a distraction from ODM's own internal chaos and political decay."
Speculation about Odinga's health intensified due to his recent absence from public events and the postponement of ODM's planned 20th-anniversary celebrations, initially scheduled for October 10 to 12, 2025, in Mombasa. The party later clarified that the postponement was to ensure inclusivity and broader engagement.
A photo of Odinga watching a football match in Dubai on Saturday, October 4, 2025, emerged amidst the rumours. While ODM stated he was on a "medical holiday," the image, reportedly taken at King's College Hospital in Dubai, further fueled questions about the nature of his trip.
Odinga has a history of transparency regarding his health, having publicly disclosed medical procedures in 2010 when he was Prime Minister and his COVID-19 diagnosis in 2021.
The ongoing exchange highlights the charged political atmosphere in Kenya as the 2027 general election approaches. Odinga, a veteran politician who has run for president five times, continues to be a significant figure in Kenya's political landscape. His political brand, long associated with the opposition, is at a crossroads, with Kenyans divided on his future role.
A national survey by Trends and Insights For Africa (TIFA) released on September 24, 2025, indicated that 32 percent of Kenyans expect Odinga to support President Ruto's re-election bid, while 23 percent believe he will run for president again. Another 17 percent anticipate he will endorse an alternative opposition candidate, and only 14 percent foresee him retiring from active politics.
The accusations and counter-accusations underscore the deep-seated rivalries and strategic maneuvering characteristic of Kenyan politics. The focus on Odinga's health, regardless of its veracity, serves as a proxy for broader political contests and attempts to shape public perception ahead of future elections.
While ODM has affirmed Odinga's good health, the exact nature of his trip abroad and the specific reasons for his absence from public events remain a subject of public discussion. The location of the photo in what appears to be a hospital setting in Dubai has not been fully clarified by his team. The full implications of the ongoing political accusations between ODM and Gachagua's faction on future political alignments are also yet to unfold.
The political landscape will likely continue to be shaped by these developments. Kenyans will be watching for Odinga's return and subsequent public appearances, which could either quell or reignite further speculation. The ongoing exchanges between ODM and other political figures are expected to intensify as the country moves closer to the 2027 general election, with potential realignments and strategies emerging from these public spats.
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