Nairobi, Kenya — October 4, 2025: Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is receiving treatment at a top hospital in Dubai despite a denial by his secretariat over the weekend. The veteran opposition leader flew to Dubai last week. He is currently at the the Kings Hospital Hospital in London.
On Saturday his handlers dismissed reports about his alleged ill health. They termeed them “baseless propaganda” pushed by political rivals seeking to create panic within his support base. Raila’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango accused a section of politicians of orchestrating false reports about the ODM leader’s wellbeing.
“Raila Odinga travelled out of the country on Friday evening — one of the many trips he has made this year, and definitely not the last,” Onyango said, confirming that the ODM boss had left Kenya.
However, he did not disclose the purpose of the trip, Raila’s destination, or the expected date of return.
Political Speculation Intensifies
Rumours began circulating after Raila, who is often a regular at political and social events, missed several public engagements. His last public appearance was during the ODM Parliamentary Group meeting at the Argyle Grand Hotel on September 22.
Sources close to the ODM leader suggested he might have travelled to the United States, though this could not be independently verified.
The ODM secretariat stated that political detractors had exaggerated Raila’s brief absence in an attempt to sow division within the opposition.
“The misinformation is being pushed by the same team that went on a frenzy against Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship earlier this year,” Onyango said.
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ODM Anniversary Postponed
The controversy coincides with the postponement of ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations, which were scheduled for October 10–12 in Mombasa.
During a Friday meeting, Raila chaired the discussion where Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, and Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen attended and made the decision.
ODM insiders said the postponement was unrelated to Raila’s absence but rather due to logistical challenges and scheduling conflicts.
Rival Camps Trade Accusations
In a sharp rebuttal, the Wiper Democratic Movement dismissed ODM’s claims that its leader Kalonzo Musyoka was behind the health rumours, terming them “political theatre.”
“Let it be stated clearly: Kalonzo Musyoka harbours no ill will whatsoever toward Mr Odinga,” read a statement from the Wiper communication office.
The party accused ODM of attempting to deflect from its internal divisions and its perceived collaboration with President William Ruto’s administration.
Meanwhile, Onyango’s statement also linked Deputy Chief Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and DAP–Kenya boss Eugene Wamalwa to what he termed a coordinated “misinformation campaign.”
He alleged that the group had employed bloggers and manipulated AI-generated images to fuel rumours of Raila’s failing health — a claim that has gained traction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok.
Raila’s Health and Transparency
Raila’s team emphasised that the ODM leader has always been open about his health. Onyango cited past occasions when Raila publicly shared updates about his medical condition, reaffirming his transparency and accessibility.
For background, Raila, 80, has remained an active political figure for over four decades. His close associates said he maintains a rigorous travel schedule. This includes trips to South Africa, Ethiopia, and the United States, where he continues to engage with international partners on governance and democracy.
