Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has cast doubt on the nature of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s reported medical holiday abroad, questioning why the ODM leader has not personally addressed Kenyans on his condition.
Speaking during an interview with KTN on Sunday, October 5, Gachagua dismissed a statement issued by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretariat explaining Raila’s absence, terming it “amateurish.”
According to Gachagua, the best way for Raila to dispel rumours about his health is through public appearances rather than written statements.
“If a leader is said to be unwell, and he is well, you just go on with life. You don’t need to write a letter — you appear in public and people will see that you’re fine,” Gachagua advised.
“President Moi used to do it that way. When rumours spread that he was sick, he would show up in public, walk from KICC to Harambee House, and the matter would end.”
Gachagua argued that ODM’s statement — which did not reveal Raila’s exact location — had only fuelled further speculation.
Nonetheless, he added that he wished Raila good health ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying he hopes the opposition leader would be fit enough “to face defeat again.”
“My prayer is that God gives Raila long life and good health so that we can defeat both him and President Ruto in 2027,” Gachagua remarked.
ODM–Wiper War of Words
Gachagua’s remarks came amid renewed friction between ODM and Wiper, as the two opposition allies traded accusations over reports of Raila’s alleged ill health.
In a statement on Sunday, ODM dismissed claims that Raila was hospitalised, accusing the United Opposition, led by Gachagua, of spreading falsehoods for political mileage.
“The political formation of impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his struggling team of Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa are on a campaign of misinformation about Raila’s health,” ODM’s statement read in part.
The party further accused unnamed media outlets of relying on AI-generated images and blogger-driven rumours to create sensational reports.
Wiper, on the other hand, swiftly fired back — with its Secretary General Shakila Aballa describing ODM’s claims as “baseless, desperate, and a distraction from their internal chaos.”
“Kalonzo Musyoka harbours no ill will toward Mr Odinga. The two leaders share a long history of cooperation and mutual respect,” Wiper’s statement said.
Raila’s absence from public events and the postponement of ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations have added fuel to the speculation, keeping the veteran politician’s health and political future firmly in the national spotlight.
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