Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Kipruto Arap Kirwa has publicly criticised the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over its handling of discussions surrounding the health of party leader, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Kirwa’s remarks respond to ODM’s statement on Sunday, October 5, 2025, which accused a political faction led by impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa of spreading misinformation about Odinga’s well-being.

Health matters should remain private

Speaking on a local TV station on October 6, 2025, Kirwa described ODM’s comments as “unsolicited, to say the least,” and urged the party to avoid politicising health issues.

“What ODM said about Raila’s health was unsolicited, to say the least. Raila is one of us and should be respected. Falling sick is normal and doesn’t call for a debate,” he stated, emphasising that health matters should be treated with privacy and dignity.

Kirwa highlighted Odinga’s importance as a national figure and called for unity rather than divisive rhetoric.

Kirwa added that Odinga has historically been transparent regarding his health when necessary. “My brother Raila, whatever is the case, for me we should not even make an issue of debate, because somebody falling sick is a normal process,” he said.

Kirwa further stressed, “This kind of a situation should be understood that yes, Raila has been very open, it was very unsolicited,” criticising ODM for amplifying the issue unnecessarily.

Political tensions

ODM’s October 5, 2025, statement cited that Gachagua’s faction, alongside Musyoka and Wamalwa, was deliberately spreading false narratives, including claims that Odinga had travelled to Europe for medical treatment.

The party clarified that Odinga is in good health and on a routine international trip. ODM also accused opposition supporters of using bloggers and AI-generated images to spread misinformation, a tactic reportedly used during Odinga’s recent African Union Commission bid.

In response, Wiper Patriotic Front dismissed ODM’s accusations as “political theatre” and claimed the party had lost its moral compass. Wiper defended Musyoka’s relationship with Odinga, calling ODM’s statements “malicious, reckless, and utterly false,” and challenged ODM to address issues with the Kenya Kwanza government rather than targeting their leader.

The dispute highlights deepening political divisions, with ODM alleging opposition attempts to undermine Odinga’s advocacy for broad-based governance, while Wiper and allies contend that ODM’s alignment with President William Ruto’s administration has affected its credibility.