Ida Odinga, the wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has publicly addressed and firmly dismissed widespread speculation about her husband’s health, confirming that the veteran politician is in good health and is simply taking a break abroad.
Speaking to residents in Migori on Tuesday afternoon, Ida expressed bewilderment at the rumours, questioning how individuals not privy to their private life could claim knowledge of his condition.
“He is fine, he is just resting abroad. How can someone who does not live with him claim to know his health status, while I, who stays with him, am unaware of any issues? Baba is okay,” she stated emphatically.
To reassure the public, she shared the ODM leader’s greetings and announced that he would be returning to the country soon.
Her comments come amid a flurry of online speculation that Odinga had left the country to seek medical treatment for a deteriorating health condition. Ida directly challenged these claims, noting her unique position to address the matter.
“In the past week, people have been disturbed by 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,” she told the audience.
Party Officials Echo Reassurances
The clarification from the former Prime Minister’s wife was swiftly followed by similar assurances from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leadership.
Philip Etale, the ODM Communications Director, disclosed that he had held a phone conversation with Raila Odinga, who he described as being in high spirits.
“I have just spoken with Raila Odinga, just under five minutes ago. He is jovial and happy,” Etale said.
According to Etale, Odinga dismissed the health allegations as “online propaganda” and even called on Kenyans to pray for those spreading the rumours.
“I am seeing people spreading so much propaganda online. Let’s keep praying for them,” Odinga was quoted as saying.
Etale added, “He has sent me to convey his greetings to all of you and says he will be back in a few days.”
The coordinated messages from both family and party officials aim to quell the rumours and reassure a concerned public about the status of the prominent political figure, who is taking a temporary respite from the Kenyan political scene.
