IDA SPEAKS ON RAILA'S HEALTH RUMOURS

The wife of ODM leader Raila Odinga, Ida Odinga, has broken her silence on the growing speculation surrounding her husband’s health, assuring Kenyans that the veteran opposition leader is in good condition and simply taking some time off abroad.

Speaking in Migori County on Tuesday afternoon, Ida sought to end the widespread rumors, blasting rumours mongers of claiming to know more about Raila’s wellbeing more than her, who lives with him.

“In the past week, people have been disturbed by rumors claiming Raila is sick,” Ida said. “If his condition were truly as serious as they say, I would have taken him to a hospital here in Migori for treatment.”

“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 added dismissing the claims of illness as unfounded.

Ida further confirmed that Raila had sent his greetings and would return home soon after his short break.

ODM Communications Director Philip Etale issued a similar statement, confirming that Raila was in high spirits.

“I have just spoken with Raila Odinga, just under five minutes ago,” Etale said. “He is seeing people spreading so much propaganda online. Let’s keep praying for them.”

Speculation about Raila’s health escalated after viral images surfaced online, showing a man resembling the ODM leader lying in a hospital bed.

In response, ODM dismissed the images as fake and accused Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of working with certain media outlets to spread misinformation aimed at undermining Raila’s political standing.

However, both Kalonzo and Gachagua have denied the accusations, saying the claims were false and of no concern to them.

As the debate over Raila Odinga’s health continues to stir online, both his family and party insist there is no cause for alarm. They have urged supporters to disregard unverified reports and instead focus on the former Prime Minister’s message of unity and resilience as he takes a well-deserved rest abroad.