Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has told off Kenyans who are spreading propaganda about his health.
The former Prime Minister asked fellow Kenyans to pray for the propagandists spreading the information.
He relayed the information through a phone call with the Orange Democratic Movement director of communications, Philip Etale.
Etale revealed that the former Prime Minister is jovial and happy, wondering why people would spread the false information.
“I have spoken with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga just under five minutes ago. He is jovial and happy. "I am seeing people spreading so much propaganda online, let's keep praying for them", he says.”
“He has sent me to convey his greetings to all of you and says he will be back in a few days.”
The remarks came in response to an October 5 statement by ODM, accusing the opposition faction of spreading false information about Raila's health, including unverified claims that Raila had travelled to Europe for medical treatment.
Raila’s spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, accused a section of political figures of orchestrating a “familiar campaign of misinformation” targeting the opposition leader.
According to the statement, the alleged misinformation was being spread by the same team that previously attacked Raila's bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission earlier this year.
“The misinformation is broadcast by the same team that went on a frenzy against Hon. Raila’s bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission earlier this year,” the statement read.
The Secretariat accused the politicians of co-opting sections of the media and bloggers to spread false information, including AI-generated images, which are then circulated as breaking news.
“The hope of this team then and now is to bully Hon. Raila to provide a back for them to ride on in their struggle against President William Ruto,” Onyango said.
He emphasised that Raila Odinga has always been open and transparent about his health, citing past instances when he publicly disclosed his medical condition.
“He told the country that he was undergoing a procedure when he was hospitalised as the sitting Prime Minister in June 2010. He told the country that he was diagnosed with COVID and hospitalised as the Opposition leader in 2021. He would do the same today were he to be in the health situation his opponents wish,” the statement added.
Onyango clarified that the ODM leader is not unwell as reported by some bloggers and media houses.
He said Raila left the country on Friday evening for one of his many routine trips and did not travel to Europe as alleged.
Gachagua denied responsibility for any reported health concerns facing Raila, stating, “Neither Kalonzo nor I are a bacteria or a virus to cause illness to anyone.”
Kalonzo’s Wiper party distanced itself from the controversy and fired back at ODM, accusing the party of hypocrisy.
Wiper leaders demanded ODM stop dragging Kalonzo’s name into Raila’s health matters, arguing that ODM was guilty of the very behaviour it was condemning.
“ODM should focus on resolving its internal problems with Kenya Kwanza instead of projecting blame onto others,” read a statement from the Wiper Party.
