Rumours about Raila Odinga’s health have once again gripped the nation. The ODM party leader, who has been out of public sight for nearly two weeks, is now said to be in Dubai—possibly at King’s College Hospital.
Over the weekend, a photo of Raila smiling beside Awendo MP Walter Owino reignited speculation about his well-being. While ODM insists he is on a “medical holiday,” Kenyans are keen to know whether the veteran politician is indeed receiving treatment abroad.
Is Raila Hospitalized in Dubai? ODM’s Explanation Fails to End Questions
On Sunday, the ODM secretariat confirmed that Raila Odinga had travelled out of the country last Friday but dismissed reports claiming he had gone to Europe for treatment.
Despite that clarification, many Kenyans remain unconvinced. Raila’s prolonged absence from the political scene—especially during a period of heightened national debate—has deepened curiosity about his condition.
The speculation intensified after a photo surfaced on Saturday, October 4, showing Raila relaxed and cheerful while watching the London derby between Arsenal and West Ham. The image, shared by ODM’s Communications Director Philip Etale, appeared reassuring at first glance. Yet sharp-eyed Kenyans quickly noticed the hospital setting in the background, identifying it as King’s College Hospital in Dubai.
ODM maintains that the trip is purely for rest and routine medical check-ups, describing it as a “medical holiday.” However, this has done little to quell the chatter online, with many still questioning whether the 80-year-old opposition figure is receiving specialized treatment.
Inside the Hospital Where Raila Was Seen
King’s College Hospital Dubai is not your ordinary medical facility. It is part of a prestigious British healthcare network with branches across the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi and Jeddah. Known for its advanced technology and world-class specialists, the hospital is a preferred destination for high-profile individuals seeking privacy and elite medical care.
The hospital offers a wide range of services, from orthopaedics and cardiology to gastroenterology and neurological surgery. It also provides executive health checks tailored for wealthy clients and prominent figures—programs that include full-body scans, cardiovascular assessments, and lifestyle diagnostics.
For those willing to pay for premium services, consultation fees range between Ksh74,000 and Ksh120,000 per visit. Executive medical check-ups cost up to Ksh204,000, depending on age and gender. Such rates and the hospital’s reputation make it a popular choice for dignitaries, business leaders, and celebrities seeking discreet and comprehensive care.
If Raila Odinga is indeed receiving treatment there, it would align with the tradition of prominent African leaders preferring medical facilities in Dubai, London, or South Africa for their specialized expertise and confidentiality.
Political Ripples and Reactions in Kenya
Back home, Raila’s absence has left a noticeable vacuum in the political arena. His silence has opened the door to speculation and political commentary from allies and rivals alike.
Impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, speaking over the weekend, urged Raila to appear in public to dispel the rumours about his health. He remarked, “My prayer is that God gives Raila a long life and good health. I pray to God that he supports William Ruto so that we defeat both of them in 2027.”
ODM leaders have accused their political opponents of exploiting the situation to sow fear and confusion among Raila’s supporters. Party insiders insist that the former Prime Minister remains in good spirits and continues to monitor political developments from abroad.
Despite these assurances, Raila’s well-documented health history—including previous hospital visits in Nairobi and Dubai—makes the current speculation harder to dismiss. With no official statement detailing his exact condition or duration of stay, Kenyans continue to fill in the blanks with theories and online chatter.
Elite Treatment and Privacy in Perspective
Whether Raila Odinga is hospitalized or simply on a private check-up in Dubai, his choice of King’s College Hospital underscores the increasing preference among African political elites for world-class foreign medical care.
The facility’s privacy, advanced diagnostics, and luxury environment appeal to leaders seeking both comfort and confidentiality.
For now, ODM’s explanation of a “medical holiday” remains the official line, but until Raila makes a public appearance, the rumours are unlikely to fade.
The photo of him smiling in a Dubai hospital setting may have been meant to reassure Kenyans—but it has instead raised more questions than answers about the health and future of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
