Raila’s Whereabouts Unknown As Gachagua Slams ODM For ‘Amateurish’ Response

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly questioned the health status and the “medical holiday” of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is currently abroad in an undisclosed location.

In an interview on KTN on Sunday, October 5, Gachagua dismissed the letter issued by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretariat attempting to explain Odinga’s absence, calling it an “amateurish” way to handle public speculation.

Gachagua argued that if a leader’s health is in question, the only way to provide clarity is through optics, not written statements. He advised Odinga to take a lesson from the late former President Daniel Arap Moi, who would publicly engage in strenuous activities to silence rumors about his health.

“If you feel that the rumours are bothering you… you do not need to write a letter. All you need to do is participate in a few activities here and there,” Gachagua noted. He recalled that Moi would quell rumors simply by taking a brisk public walk.

The former Deputy President argued that ODM’s statement, which failed to explicitly reveal Odinga’s whereabouts or condition, only fueled more speculation.

Political Rivalry and a Prayer for 2027

Despite his sharp critique, Gachagua maintained that he wished Odinga good health for the next general election. He revealed a surprising political calculus for the United Opposition he now leads.

“My prayer is that God gives Raila long life and good health. I pray to God that he supports William Ruto so that we defeat both of them in 2027,” he stated, positioning the United Opposition to contend against both the sitting President and the long-time opposition leader.

ODM vs. United Opposition Over Rumors

Gachagua’s sentiments came amid a flurry of exchanges between ODM and other political factions regarding Odinga’s extended public absence, which has led to the postponement of ODM’s 20th-anniversary celebrations.

In their statement earlier on Sunday, the ODM Secretariat accused the United Opposition, which includes Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa, of intentionally spreading “misinformation on the health of former Prime Minister” for political gain.

Wiper Party, however, quickly dismissed ODM’s counter-allegations, with Secretary General Shakila Aballa describing the claims as “baseless, desperate, and a distraction from ODM’s own internal chaos.” This ongoing back-and-forth highlights how Odinga’s health has dominated the country’s current political conversation.