Wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Ida Odinga has addressed the swirling rumors regarding the veteran politician’s health, confirming that he is well and simply taking a break overseas.
Speaking to residents in Migori on Tuesday afternoon, Ida sought to definitively put an end to the speculation, questioning how outsiders could claim to know her husband’s health status better than she does.
“In the past week, people have been disturbed by rumors claiming Raila is sick,” Ida stated. “If his condition were truly as serious as they say, I would have taken him to a hospital here in Migori for treatment.”
She firmly dismissed the reports of ill health, emphasizing her position to speak on his whereabouts:
“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 added.
Ida concluded by sharing greetings from the ODM leader, reassuring Kenyans that he would soon return home from his political hiatus.
Call to “Pray for Propagandists”
Ida Odinga’s clarification came shortly after a similar statement was issued by the ODM party’s Communications Director, Philip Etale.
Etale revealed that he had spoken directly with Raila Odinga, who was “jovial and happy,” and dismissed the allegations as mere online propaganda.
“I have just spoken with Raila Odinga, just under five minutes ago,” Etale said. “He is seeing people spreading so much propaganda online. Let’s keep praying for them.”
The former Prime Minister, Etale added, asked him to convey his greetings to all his supporters, confirming that he would be back in a few days.