Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s wife, Ida Odinga, has moved to calm rising anxiety among Kenyans over her husband’s health. Speaking in Migori on Tuesday afternoon, Ida assured supporters that Raila is perfectly fine and only travelled abroad to rest after months of intense political engagement.
In her candid remarks, she dismissed claims that the ODM leader was unwell, questioning how strangers could know his health better than she does. Ida’s reassurance comes amid swirling online speculation that Raila’s overseas trip was due to illness.
She made it clear that those spreading the rumours were simply engaging in political propaganda meant to stir unnecessary fear among Raila’s supporters. Her remarks were backed by ODM’s Communications Director Philip Etale, who confirmed that he had personally spoken to the opposition leader.
Raila Is Okay Ida Odinga Reassures Kenyans Amid Health Rumours
Ida Odinga firmly told residents of Migori that her husband was not sick and that Kenyans should not be misled by false reports. She maintained that she was the most credible source of information regarding his wellbeing since she lives with him.
“In the past week, people have been disturbed by rumours claiming Raila is sick. If his condition were truly as serious as they say, I would have taken him to a hospital here in Migori for treatment,” Ida said confidently.
She added that Raila was simply taking a break outside the country, using the opportunity to rest after months of relentless political activity. “He is fine, he is just resting abroad. How can someone who does not live with him claim to know his health status, while I, who stays with him, am unaware of any issues? Baba is okay,” she told the crowd.
Ida’s words drew loud cheers from supporters, many of whom had been worried about Raila’s silence and absence from public events. Her statement was seen as a timely reassurance that the 80-year-old opposition chief remains in good health and spirit.
Raila Sends Greetings to Kenyans
To further calm fears, Ida shared a message from Raila himself, assuring Kenyans that he would soon return to the country. She said her husband was closely following national affairs even while abroad and remained committed to his political mission.
“Baba sends his greetings. He told me to tell you that he is fine and will be back soon,” Ida said, reinforcing the message that there was no cause for alarm.
Her statement quickly circulated online, where supporters expressed relief that the former Prime Minister was well. Many took to social media to criticize those spreading misinformation about his health, accusing them of trying to score political points.
ODM Officials Join in to Dispel Rumours
Just hours after Ida’s remarks, ODM Communications Director Philip Etale echoed her message, revealing that he had spoken directly to Raila. Etale said the conversation lasted a few minutes, during which Raila sounded cheerful and healthy.
“I have just spoken with Raila Odinga, just under five minutes ago. He is jovial and happy,” Etale shared on X (formerly Twitter). “He told me, ‘I am seeing people spreading so much propaganda online. Let’s keep praying for them.’”
Etale added that Raila had instructed him to send his greetings to Kenyans and assured them he would be back in a few days. His post helped further silence the speculation, which had dominated online political discussions for days.
ODM insiders also emphasized that the party leader’s brief trip abroad was planned and not related to any medical issue. They accused political opponents of deliberately twisting the facts to create panic among Raila’s supporters.
‘Pray for Propagandists,’ Says Raila
In a message delivered through Etale, Raila urged Kenyans to pray for those who spread lies for political gain. His statement was seen as a subtle jab at political rivals who often seize on his private travels to raise questions about his health or political future.
The former Prime Minister’s calm response and Ida’s firm clarification have effectively put to rest rumours about his health. Their united front demonstrated the Odinga family’s intent to maintain transparency while protecting Raila’s legacy.
With Ida’s assurance that Raila is okay, Kenyans now await the ODM leader’s return to continue shaping the national political conversation. Her statement reinforced not only her husband’s wellbeing but also her position as a steady voice of reason within the Odinga household and the broader opposition movement.
