Gachagua Fires Back: ‘We’re Not Pathogens’ in Raila Health Row

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has firmly rejected claims that he and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka were behind rumours concerning Raila Odinga’s health. Speaking during United Opposition rallies in Machakos and Kitui counties, Gachagua called the allegations “baseless” and questioned the logic behind them—asking rhetorically whether he and Kalonzo were “bacteria or viruses.”

He urged political leaders to avoid overreacting to health-related speculation, suggesting that simple public transparency could easily dispel such rumours. Gachagua also accused the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of using the issue to stoke tensions between Luo supporters and Kalonzo ahead of the 2027 elections.

Despite the controversy, Gachagua expressed goodwill toward Raila, wishing him long life and good health. He emphasized that illness is not a crime and criticized ODM for what he described as moral decline and political distraction.

The allegations emerged after Raila missed several public events, prompting speculation about his condition. Raila’s secretariat dismissed the rumours as “baseless propaganda,” accusing political rivals of spreading misinformation.