ODM Party’s Director of Communications, Philip Etale, has confirmed that party leader Raila Odinga is taking some time off, emphasizing that there is nothing unusual in a leader pausing to rest and regroup.
Speaking in an interview on Radio Generation on Friday, Etale said Raila remains active and engaged despite public curiosity over his whereabouts.
“Raila is around. And there’s no harm in a man deciding that, let me take some time off to rest, yep, rethink strategies and bounce back, rejuvenate. There’s no harm in that,” Etale said. He added that he personally spoke to Raila on Thursday, confirming the former prime minister is “just resting.”
Etale suggested that the focus on Raila should not overshadow other leaders.
“Why would you be asking about Raila when there are other people? Raila is trying to show these people that I should not be the one talking for the people of Kenya every time. Let others also do if they’re sleeping in their job,” he said, highlighting the need for broader leadership participation within the party.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been noticeably absent from the public eye for nearly two weeks, prompting speculation regarding his health, despite assurances from close allies that he is active and well.
As the leader of ODM, Raila’s absence is particularly striking as the party gears up for a significant celebration marking its 20th anniversary.
His last notable public appearance was on September 22, during an ODM Parliamentary Group meeting at the Argyle Grand Hotel. He later met Siaya Governor James Orengo at the Siaya Investment Conference.
Since then, he has missed crucial events, including the issuance of nomination certificates to ODM candidates for the upcoming elections.
The ODM communications chief’s comments come amid ongoing speculation about Raila’s role and activity as the party prepares for upcoming political engagements. Etale reassured supporters that Raila remains present and is taking a deliberate pause to rejuvenate before re-engaging fully with political duties.