Oburu Odinga Clarifies Raila’s Health Status, Says Brother Recuperating in India

Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has broken his silence on the health of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, confirming that the Orange Democratic Movement leader travelled to India for medical treatment after falling ill.

Addressing journalists on Thursday, the veteran politician moved to dispel persistent rumours about his brother’s condition, stating that while Raila had been unwell, reports suggesting he was gravely sick were unfounded.

“I want to take this opportunity to clarify this. There have been a lot of rumours about our party leader, Raila Odinga, that he is very sick, that he is almost dying and that he is completely out,” Oburu said.

“But I want to tell you that he is out and about, and he is just like any other human being who was indisposed a little, and he is now recuperating and resting.”

The senator confirmed that the ODM leader is currently in India, not in the United States or the United Arab Emirates as had been speculated in some quarters. He assured Kenyans that Raila would return to the country soon to resume his normal political activities.

“I want to tell you that very soon you will see him back. He is in India. People should not say they do not know where he is. He is not in the US or Dubai as alleged by some,” Oburu clarified.

The statement comes after days of mounting speculation about the former Prime Minister’s whereabouts and health status.

On Tuesday, Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga, also dismissed the claims while speaking in Migori County, questioning how outsiders could claim to know her husband’s condition better than she does.

“In the past week, people have been disturbed by rumours claiming Raila is sick. If his condition were truly as serious as they say, I would have taken him to a hospital here in Migori for treatment,” Mrs Odinga said.

“He is fine, he is just resting abroad. How can someone who does not live with him claim to know his health status, while I, who stays with him, am unaware of any issues?”

ODM Communications Director Philip Etale has also been among those dismissing reports of serious illness, maintaining that the party leader is in good health.

The clarification by Senator Odinga is expected to ease concerns among supporters of the former Prime Minister, who have been anxious about his well-being following his extended absence from the public eye.