The growing tension around claims about Raila Odinga’s health has escalated into a political confrontation, with the Wiper Democratic Movement issuing a fiery response to accusations from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
On Sunday, October 5, Wiper released a sharply worded statement dismissing ODM’s claims that Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were allegedly spreading misinformation about the former Prime Minister’s health for political gain.
Wiper described ODM’s allegations as unfounded and politically motivated, accusing the party of engaging in panic and diversion tactics.
The statement condemned the claims as “baseless, desperate, and a distraction from ODM’s own internal chaos and political decay.”
Wiper Secretary General Shakila Aballa defended Kalonzo Musyoka, stressing that he and Raila have a long history of collaboration and mutual respect.
“Let it be clearly stated, H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka harbours no ill will whatsoever toward Mr Odinga. The two leaders share a long, public history of cooperation and mutual respect,” Aballa said.
She went on to term ODM’s insinuations as “malicious, reckless, and utterly false,” insisting that attempts to involve Kalonzo in internal ODM wrangles were nothing more than an attempt to cover up growing cracks within the so-called Broad-Based Government that ODM supports.
Earlier, Raila Odinga’s spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, had issued a statement clarifying that although Raila left the country on Friday, he had not travelled to Europe for treatment, contrary to claims circulating in the media.
However, Onyango did not reveal his actual destination. He added that if Raila had been unwell, the public would have been formally informed, just as had been done in the past.
In its rejoinder, Wiper accused ODM of using Kalonzo as a scapegoat to divert attention from its internal troubles and leadership dilemmas.
They argued that ODM was deliberately stirring controversy to deflect from Raila’s own political decisions, which they claim have alienated supporters.
Wiper also criticized ODM for trying to tie Kalonzo to Raila’s failed bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. According to Wiper, Raila’s unsuccessful bid had more to do with “diplomatic blunders” than any involvement or influence from Kalonzo.
The statement went further, accusing ODM of weaponizing Raila’s health as a political smokescreen to avoid confronting its shortcomings and recent strategic miscalculations.
The war of words underscores a widening rift between Raila and Kalonzo, despite their long history of political cooperation and Kalonzo’s repeated insistence that there is no personal animosity between them.
Speculation about Raila’s location surged on Friday after he was noticeably absent from key ODM preparations ahead of the party’s highly anticipated 20th anniversary celebrations.
The event, originally scheduled for October 10 to 12 in Mombasa, was later postponed to November 14 to 16, fueling further speculation and internal unease.
As the fallout deepens, the once-united opposition alliance now appears increasingly fractured, with both parties framing the dispute as a reflection of deeper political tensions rather than a simple misunderstanding over health rumours.
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