Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised questions over the health status of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the nature of his so-called “medical holiday” abroad.
Gachagua, speaking during an interview with KTN on Sunday, October 5, urged the ODM leader to be more transparent with Kenyans regarding his condition, arguing that the party’s recent attempt to explain the situation through a written statement only created more confusion.
According to Gachagua, letters and press releases are not the best way to address public concern about a leader’s health.
Instead, he said, Raila should appear in public and continue with normal activities to show that he is doing well. He criticized the ODM Secretariat’s statement as “amateurish,” claiming it lacked credibility and transparency.
Gachagua suggested that Raila should emulate the late former President Daniel arap Moi, who, during his tenure, would publicly dismiss health-related rumours by appearing in person.
“If people say a leader is sick and you’re actually fine, the best thing is to ignore it and keep working. But if you feel the rumours are too much, just appear in public, engage in a few activities, and people will see for themselves that you are healthy,” Gachagua said.
He recalled that Moi often dealt with speculation smartly: “President Moi would disappear for about five or six days, and rumours would start spreading that he was unwell.
Then suddenly, he would show up at KICC, take a brisk walk all the way to Harambee House, and just like that, the matter would end.”
The former Deputy President argued that ODM’s recent statement, which failed to disclose Raila’s whereabouts or provide concrete proof of his condition, only fueled more speculation. He said that the secrecy surrounding Raila’s absence had left many Kenyans wondering about the true situation.
Despite his criticism, Gachagua added that he wishes Raila good health and a long life, saying he looks forward to facing him politically in the 2027 General Election.
“My prayer is that God grants Raila long life and good health so that we can meet him and President William Ruto on the ballot and defeat them both,” he stated.
United Opposition vs ODM Over Raila’s Health
Gachagua’s remarks come in the middle of a growing political dispute between the ODM and Wiper parties, triggered by conflicting statements about Raila’s health.
ODM has strongly denied claims that its leader is ill, saying that the rumours are part of a smear campaign orchestrated by Gachagua’s “United Opposition” alliance for political mileage.
In a strongly worded statement, the ODM Secretariat accused Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa of spreading falsehoods and manipulating the media to create panic.
“The political group led by impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, alongside Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, is running a familiar campaign of misinformation about the health of former Prime Minister and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga,” the statement read.
ODM also claimed that certain sections of the mainstream media had been infiltrated by opposition sympathizers who were amplifying unverified stories. The party alleged that some media outlets had even used AI-generated photos and fake reports to make it seem as though Raila’s health had deteriorated.
However, Wiper, through its Secretary-General Shakila Aballa, quickly dismissed ODM’s claims, calling them “baseless, desperate, and a weak attempt to divert attention from the party’s own internal disarray.”
The Wiper statement insisted that Kalonzo Musyoka holds deep respect and goodwill toward Raila Odinga and has no interest in undermining him. “Let it be made clear that H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka harbours no ill will toward Mr. Odinga.
The two leaders share a long and public history of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect,” Aballa stated.
Raila’s continued absence from public events, coupled with the abrupt postponement of ODM’s planned 20th anniversary celebrations, has intensified speculation about his health.
For weeks, Kenyans have been debating his whereabouts, with some suggesting that the party’s lack of transparency has only made matters worse.
As rumours continue to circulate, Gachagua’s comments have added a fresh layer to the political tension between ODM and the United Opposition.
Many political observers believe the controversy over Raila’s health has become more than just a personal matter—it’s now shaping up to be a defining topic in the early build-up to the 2027 General Election.
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