- Siaya Governor James Orengo dismissed rumours about Raila Odinga’s health, saying the ODM leader has always been transparent whenever he sought medical attention
- The remarks came days after ODM accused Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and others of spreading claims that Raila had travelled abroad for treatment
- Orengo recalled facing similar rumours about his own health months earlier, a time when Raila personally defended him against false reports
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has waded into the discussion surrounding Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga’s health.
His remarks came just days after ODM accused opposition figures of spreading falsehoods about Raila’s health.
In a statement on Sunday, October 5, the party leadership pointed fingers at Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition figures for peddling claims that the former prime minister had travelled abroad for treatment.
According to ODM officials, the rumours were politically motivated and aimed at creating panic and confusion among Raila’s political base.
The party insisted that Raila was in good health and actively engaging in party matters behind the scenes.
Is Raila on a medical trip abroad?
During an interview on NTV Kenya on Wednesday, October 8, Orengo said that the ODM leader had nothing to hide from Kenyans.
The Siaya county boss stated that, unlike most political figures, Raila’s health has always been public knowledge.
Orengo stated that in the past, the ODM leader had shared that he sought medical attention in local hospitals.
He equated the situation to months ago when there was speculation on his well-being, adding that some had concluded he was not of this world.
“Me I think Raila is well. I know he is well. And unlike many political leaders, when he gets sick, Raila talks about it; when he is admitted to the hospital, it is a matter of public knowledge. Leave alone these guesses that people are making. I mean, whenever he’s gone to the hospital locally, it’s never been a secret. So it’s like me, I was away for some time, but people said this guy is dead,” he stated.
How did Raila defend Orengo?
Orengo’s response was not only a defence of his party leader but also a reflection of a personal experience.
Months earlier, the county chief had faced similar speculation when he took a prolonged break from public appearances.
Now, months later, Orengo has found himself defending Raila in a similar situation, pointing out the irony.
During that period, social media platforms were flooded with rumours that Orengo was gravely ill, with some even claiming he had died.
The silence from county officials fuelled more gossip until Raila himself intervened, dismissing the reports.
In a strongly worded statement at the time, Raila condemned those spreading misinformation about the Siaya governor’s health.
He assured the public that Orengo was alive, well, and expected to resume his duties soon.
Raila described the individuals behind the rumours as “witches,” accusing them of practising primitive politics.
He faulted those who wished ill on political rivals and called for maturity and compassion in public discourse.
How did Ida respond to reports on Raila’s health?
The debate over Raila’s health resurfaced in late September when a section of politicians and bloggers alleged he was unwell and receiving treatment.
These claims spread quickly across social media, drawing mixed reactions from supporters and critics alike.
However, Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga, addressed the matter publicly, saying the rumours were false and malicious.
She urged Kenyans to ignore the misleading narratives being circulated online.
Ida questioned how outsiders could claim to know her husband’s health status better than those living with him, assuring the public that Raila was in good shape and only taking time to rest.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
