
With mounting speculation over the health of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, his wife Ida Odinga has stepped forward to reassure the public — Baba is “okay” and simply away resting abroad. Her statement, delivered Tuesday in Migori, seeks to quash swirling rumours that have gripped Kenya’s political discourse.
“If He Were Truly Ill, I Would Know” — Ida’s Unambiguous Rebuttal.
Speaking to residents, Ida Odinga insisted she is best positioned to know her husband’s true condition since she lives with him. She challenged those spreading speculation to explain how they claim to know his health better than she does. Addressing the allegations directly, she stated:
“If his condition were truly as serious as they say, I would have taken him to a hospital here in Migori for treatment … He is fine, he is just resting abroad.” Ida also relayed greetings from Raila, promising he would return soon and urging Kenyans not to give credence to unverified claims.
Etale Echoes Wife’s Message, Condemns “Propaganda”Hours after Ida’s address, ODM Communications Director Philip Etale confirmed that he had just spoken with Raila, who dismissed claims about deteriorating health as baseless. Etale reported that Odinga was in high spirits and asked Kenyans to pray for those posting false content online. Raila, via Etale, sent greetings to his supporters and committed to returning home in the coming days.
Political Storm Over Health Rumours.
This drama unfolds amid heightened speculation that Odinga may have travelled abroad for medical reasons. In recent days, unverified reports of hospitalization and whispers of health decline have spread across social media and political circles — fueling confusion among supporters and opponents alike.
Ida’s statements and Etale’s confirmation deal a direct blow to those narratives, asserting control over Odinga’s image at a moment when uncertainty can be politically weaponized.