Gachagua Challenges Raila’s ‘Medical Holiday,’ Calls for Public Reassurance

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly questioned Raila Odinga’s health, following the ODM leader’s recent absence from political events and the postponement of a major party celebration.

In an interview aired on KTN, Gachagua criticised ODM’s explanation for Raila's absence, calling it vague and insufficient. He claimed the statement, which cited medical reasons for Raila's travel abroad, only fuelled speculation. Gachagua argued that a simple public appearance would have resolved any doubts, referencing former President Daniel Arap Moi’s habit of reappearing publicly to quell similar rumours.

“Leaders who are well do not need letters to prove it,” he said. “Moi would just show up, walk from KICC to Harambee House, and the matter would end there.”

Raila has been absent from several key party events in Kisii, Wajir, and Narok. His recent trip abroad coincided with the sudden postponement of ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations, which were initially scheduled for October in Mombasa.

ODM dismissed Gachagua’s claims, stating that Raila is not unwell and accusing political rivals of using his absence to advance their agendas. 

In a statement, Raila's spokesperson Dennis Onyango described the health rumours as baseless and politically driven, accusing Gachagua and his allies, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, of attempting to weaken ODM’s standing.

“Mr Odinga has travelled abroad, as he has done before. He is not indisposed, as some would like to suggest,” Onyango said, warning against using health speculation as a political tool.

The dispute has revealed growing tensions within the opposition. Wiper, through its Secretary-General Shakila Abdalla, rejected ODM’s insinuations that Kalonzo harbours ill intentions toward Raila, calling the claims “malicious, reckless, and utterly false.” 

She stressed that the two leaders maintain mutual respect and continue to cooperate politically. Meanwhile, Gachagua, who is positioning himself as a central figure in the emerging United Opposition coalition, expressed hope that Odinga remains active in the lead-up to the 2027 general election. 

“I pray God gives Raila long life and good health,” he said. “Let him support Ruto, so we can defeat both of them in 2027.”

ODM has downplayed concerns over Odinga’s absence and the postponed celebrations. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir attributed the delay to logistical planning, noting that it would allow counties such as Kajiado, Turkana, and Nairobi to hold their own commemorative events first. ODM leaders said the new schedule aims to broaden participation across the country.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed confirmed that the anniversary celebrations have been rescheduled for mid-November, with expanded grassroots engagement planned nationwide. Despite these assurances, Raila's limited public appearances have raised questions about leadership within ODM. While he briefly chaired a meeting at Nairobi’s Serena Hotel before travelling, his continued absence has left space for rival voices to grow louder.