KENYA: Raila Odinga’s Secretariat Dismisses Health Rumours, Blames Political Opponents

By Lapit Moses Punyuah, Nairobi, Kenya

The Raila Odinga Secretariat has dismissed widespread claims circulating on social media and in sections of the mainstream media regarding the health of ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga, terming them false and politically motivated.

In a press statement issued on Saturday and signed by Mr Dennis Onyango, Odinga’s spokesperson, the Secretariat accused members of the United Opposition of orchestrating what it described as a “familiar campaign of misinformation” targeting the veteran politician.

The statement further alleged that the group had “co-opted sections of the media” to amplify false narratives, including AI-generated images, depicting Mr Odinga as unwell.

“This is part of a deliberate effort to bully Mr Odinga into backing their political struggle against President Ruto,” the Secretariat said.

Onyango clarified that Mr Odinga had travelled abroad on Friday evening, one of several international trips he has made this year, and stressed that the journey was not for medical reasons.

“Mr Odinga is in good health. Claims suggesting otherwise are baseless and malicious,” Onyango affirmed.

The Secretariat concluded by accusing Odinga’s opponents of attempting to undermine his credibility and political influence both in Kenya and internationally, describing the reports as a calculated smear campaign.