Kenya: ODM MP slams opposition over ‘fake news’ on Raila Odinga’s health

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Makadara MP George Aladwa has sharply criticised opposition leaders for allegedly sponsoring false reports about the health of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, dismissing the claims as politically motivated fabrications.

Rumours about Mr Odinga’s health have been circulating widely on social media after the veteran opposition leader missed several public appearances, including events marking the 20th anniversary of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

Mr Aladwa, who also serves as ODM’s Nairobi County chairperson, accused opposition figures Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of funding bloggers spreading what he described as fake news online.

“I would like to tell Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, together with their bloggers, that they should rethink their political strategies,” Mr Aladwa said.

He reassured ODM supporters and Kenyans that Mr Odinga was in good health. “I would also like to tell ODM supporters and all those who love Raila that our leader is in perfect health, and we know where he is,” he added.

Mr Aladwa further urged ODM politicians to continue supporting the government’s inclusive agenda, insisting that no amount of misinformation or intimidation would push the party to side with the opposition against President William Ruto.

His comments came shortly after Mr Odinga’s spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, through the ODM secretariat, condemned the same opposition leaders for allegedly sponsoring bloggers spreading false information about Mr Odinga’s health.

The accused leaders had not responded to the allegations by the time of publication.

Mr Odinga was last seen in public on Friday when he met several ODM officials at the Serena Hotel. Witnesses said he appeared energetic and cheerful, posing for photographs with party chairperson Gladys Wanga, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu.

Later that day, Mr Odinga hosted officials from Gor Mahia Football Club at his Karen residence. Accompanied by his wife, Mama Ida Odinga, he was presented with the team’s new season jersey and donated KSh10 million to the club.

According to a statement from Mr Odinga’s secretariat, the former prime minister is currently out of the country. It added that if he were unwell, he would have informed the public, just as he did when he contracted Covid-19 in 2021 and when he underwent surgery abroad in 2010 during his time as prime minister.