Speculation surrounding the whereabouts and health of ODM party leader Raila Odinga has intensified, with sharp-eyed Kenyans online claiming to have identified his exact location in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Although the ODM secretariat confirmed on Sunday that Raila had indeed travelled out of the country last Friday, they dismissed earlier claims by some media outlets that he had flown to Europe for treatment.
Their clarification, however, did little to silence growing speculation, especially because the former Prime Minister has been conspicuously absent from the public eye for nearly two weeks.
Later that evening, a photo of Raila watching the London derby between Arsenal and West Ham surfaced online. In the picture, Raila appeared cheerful and relaxed, posing beside Awendo Member of Parliament Walter Owino, who was seated to his left.
The image was widely shared, with many Kenyans expressing relief that he looked to be in good health.
However, it was not Raila’s demeanor that sparked conversation — but rather the setting of the photograph. Keen observers noticed that the background of the image matched the interior of King’s College Hospital in Dubai, hinting that he may have been within the facility at the time.
Whether Raila was receiving treatment or simply visiting remains unclear, although ODM officials insisted that he was on what they termed a “medical holiday.”
About King’s College Hospital
A quick background check on King’s College Hospital reveals that while its main headquarters is located in London, the institution operates several branches across the Middle East, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The facility is globally recognised for its world-class medical services, cutting-edge technology, and highly trained staff.
According to its official website, the hospital provides a wide range of specialist services. In orthopaedics, patients can access treatment options such as joint replacements, spine surgeries, sports injury care, and paediatric orthopaedic support. Cardiology services are also available, catering to diagnosis and treatment of various heart conditions.
For families, the hospital offers comprehensive paediatric care, covering both general and specialised needs for children. Individuals struggling with digestive or liver conditions can receive expert treatment through the gastroenterology and hepatology departments, which are complemented by general and colorectal surgery options.
Those seeking aesthetic or reconstructive procedures are also catered for, as the hospital provides plastic surgery for both cosmetic enhancement and medical reconstruction. Dermatology services are available for skin-related treatments, while vascular surgery assists patients with blood vessel disorders. The facility also offers surgical interventions for neurological complications.
Pricing and Executive Health Packages
Treatment costs at King’s College Hospital vary depending on the medical condition and the nature of consultation. Generally, the hospital charges between KSh74,000 and KSh120,000 (equivalent to USD 575–900) per consultation.
For individuals above 40 years old, the facility offers an executive health check-up package. Men can expect to pay around 3,700 AED, approximately KSh130,000, while women are charged 4,200 AED, which translates to roughly KSh148,000.
For patients aged 60 and above who prefer to pay in cash, a full physical check-up can cost up to 5,800 AED, equivalent to KSh204,000.
Political Reactions and Ongoing Rumours
Despite ODM officials calling for restraint, the rumour mill continues to turn. The party has accused political rivals of fuelling unnecessary tension by dragging names such as Eugene Wamalwa, Rigathi Gachagua, and Kalonzo Musyoka into the debate over Raila’s health.
Speaking on the matter, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua suggested that Raila should make a public appearance to clear the air once and for all. “My prayer is that God gives Raila a long life and good health,” Gachagua said. “I pray to God that he supports William Ruto so that we defeat both of them in 2027.”
As Kenyans continue to speculate, one thing remains clear — Raila Odinga’s influence on national politics is so strong that even his absence becomes a matter of national debate. Whether he is simply resting or undergoing treatment, the country waits for his next public appearance with keen anticipation.
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