Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has dismissed mounting speculation about the health of his brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, confirming that the veteran opposition leader is recuperating abroad after a brief illness.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, October 9, Oburu sought to set the record straight amid widespread rumours suggesting that the Orange Democratic Movement leader was gravely ill. He clarified that Raila had been unwell but had since made significant progress and was now resting.
“There have been many rumours about our party leader, that he is very sick or dying. I want to tell you that he is out and about, like any other human being who was indisposed for a short while. He is now recovering and resting,” Oburu said.
The senator revealed that Raila is currently in India, countering claims that the ODM leader had sought medical attention in the United States or the United Arab Emirates. He noted that Raila was doing well and would soon return to Kenya to resume his political duties.
“I want to tell you that very soon you will see him back. He is in India. People should stop speculating that he is in the US or Dubai. Those claims are false,” Oburu stated.
The clarification follows days of intense speculation about Raila’s condition, with several online reports fuelling concern among his supporters.
Earlier in the week, Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga, also dismissed the claims, saying her husband was simply taking a well-deserved break. “He is fine. He is just resting abroad. How can people who do not live with him claim to know his condition better than I do?” she said during a public event in Migori County.
Raila Odinga is expected to return to the country soon.
