ODM Communications Director Philip Etale has assured Kenyans that Raila Odinga is in good spirits, sharing a message from the Azimio leader thanking supporters for their continued prayers and concern.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed rumours about his health, assuring Kenyans that he is well and in good spirits.

In a phone conversation with ODM Communications Director Philip Etale on Tuesday afternoon, Odinga described the claims circulating online about his alleged illness as baseless propaganda.

“I have just spoken with Raila Odinga, just under five minutes ago. He is jovial and happy,” Etale said. “Raila told me, ‘I am seeing people spreading so much propaganda online, let’s keep praying for them.’”

According to Etale, the ODM leader, who is currently abroad, sent his greetings to Kenyans and said he would be returning home in the coming days.

Odinga’s absence from the public eye had sparked speculation over his health, prompting concern among supporters and the public.

Etale’s update came a day after ODM principals dismissed the rumours, insisting that Odinga travelled abroad for personal reasons unrelated to illness.

“Honourable Raila travelled out of the country on Friday evening,

one of many trips he has made this year and definitely not the last,” the party said in a statement on Sunday, October 5.

The statement further clarified that Odinga did not travel to Europe as reported by some outlets, and was “not indisposed as prayed for by his frustrated opponents.”

Speculation about Odinga’s whereabouts began after ODM postponed its 20th anniversary celebrations that had been scheduled for October 3 in Mombasa.