President William Ruto’s outspoken aide, Farouk Kibet, has ignited a fresh political storm after defending opposition chief Raila Odinga against swirling rumors about his health.
Addressing a charged crowd in Siaya County, Kibet dismissed claims that the veteran politician was unwell, accusing those spreading the rumors of being “fake citizens” peddling lies to score cheap political points.
“Wacha niwambie kuwa Raila ako na afya mzima, wao ndio wakona afya fake na hawafai kuwa kwa nchi ya Kenya,”
(“Let me tell you that Raila is perfectly healthy; it’s his critics who are the sick ones and shouldn’t even be in Kenya.”)
The fiery statement comes amid ongoing speculation on social media that Odinga has been ailing. The rumors, which spread like wildfire online, suggested that the ODM leader was receiving treatment abroad — claims his family has since strongly denied. Both Ida Odinga and Oburu Odinga recently assured supporters that Raila was resting and recovering from a minor illness.
Kibet’s remarks — delivered with his trademark bluntness — quickly trended across platforms, sparking heated reactions. Supporters of Raila praised the aide for “speaking truth to gossip,” while critics accused him of hypocrisy and political grandstanding.
Analysts say Kibet’s defense of Raila, a long-time rival of his boss, reflects the shifting tone of Kenya’s political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections. With Odinga seeking to cement his influence both locally and within the African Union, every rumor or statement surrounding him carries heavy political weight.
As Kibet’s comments continue to dominate headlines, one thing is clear: in Kenya’s high-stakes political arena, even a leader’s health can become ammunition for the next big battle.
By K24