Pray for Raila, MP Urges as Uncertainty Surrounds His Condition

Speculation surrounding the health of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga intensified this week, as political figures and the public responded to his prolonged absence from key events and a call for prayers from his allies.

On Sunday, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi urged Kenyans to pray for Raila's recovery, describing him as “recuperating in hospital” during a fundraising event in Siaya County. Omondi, who previously served as Raila's personal aide, called for national solidarity as the ODM leader’s absence from recent public engagements raised concerns.

However, Raila's secretariat quickly dismissed these claims, insisting that the former Prime Minister is in good health and that his travel abroad was routine. Spokesperson Dennis Onyango reaffirmed that Raila had left the country on Friday evening for a scheduled trip, noting that such travels are common for the leader. 

Onyango also pointed to Raila's transparency regarding his health, citing his past disclosures, including a public update during his recovery from COVID-19 in 2021.

Despite these assurances, anonymous party sources confirmed that Raila's trip was for a routine medical check-up, citing his history of post-surgery care following a 2010 head operation. 

The lack of official clarification, combined with his absence from ODM events in Kisii, Wajir, and Narok, fuelled ongoing speculation about his condition. Raila briefly resurfaced on 3 October, chairing a planning meeting at Nairobi’s Serena Hotel, but his limited public visibility has done little to quell rumours. 

Politicians, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have suggested that Raila should make more public appearances to counter the ongoing speculation. Gachagua advised that visibility would help put to rest any concerns regarding the ODM leader's health.

At a cultural event in Kisumu, women leaders expressed frustration over what they saw as attempts to mislead the public about Raila's health. Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu directly criticised Gachagua, accusing him of politicising the situation. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga echoed these sentiments, calling for a broader vision of national leadership and condemning partisan approaches to the issue.