Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Philip Etale has dismissed further claims about Raila Odinga’s health, assuring Kenyans that the former Prime Minister is well.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday afternoon, October 7, 2025, Etale said he had spoken to Odinga, who sounded cheerful and in good spirits.

“I have spoken with HE Raila Odinga just under five minutes ago. He is jovial and happy. He said, ‘I am seeing people spreading so much propaganda online; let’s keep praying for them,'” Etale wrote.

He added that Odinga had sent his greetings to Kenyans and would be returning to the country in a few days.

Party dismisses health speculations

The update came after growing speculation about Odinga’s whereabouts and health, following his recent absence from public events. The ODM leader was last seen on Friday before reportedly flying out of the country for what his secretariat described as a regular trip.

Last week, ODM postponed its planned 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa from October 10 to 12, sparking further speculation. The party has since clarified that Odinga is not unwell and accused political rivals of spreading false information for political gain.

ODM spokesman Dennis Onyango had earlier blamed a section of the opposition, including leaders Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa, for fueling the rumours. He said the misinformation campaign was meant to create confusion and disunity within the opposition.

“The same team that spread lies about Raila’s African Union Commission bid is behind this propaganda,” Onyango said in a statement. “He travelled out of the country on Friday evening, one of his many trips this year. He is not unwell.”

Odinga, 80, has in the past been open about his health, including when he was hospitalised with Covid-19 in 2021 and after undergoing surgery in 2010. ODM officials maintain that if he were unwell, he would have informed the public himself.