The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dismissed viral social media claims that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was poisoned, saying the reports are false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 12, the DCI flagged a circulating post alleging that an Indian doctor had confessed to being paid Ksh 300 million to poison Raila using botulinum toxin, a deadly neurotoxin that blocks nerve signals to muscles and causes paralysis, while he was receiving treatment in India.
The DCI categorically rejected the claims, saying the information was fabricated and urging the public not to fall for such content.
ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga passed away at the age of 80, on October 15, 2025, while taking a morning walk in Kerala, India.
He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where doctors were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Cardiac arrest was reported as the immediate cause of death, though further verified reports indicated he also had underlying health conditions that contributed to his passing, including a stroke he had suffered weeks before his trip to India, as well as long-term conditions including diabetes and hypertension.
President William Ruto had been aware of Raila’s illness and personally facilitated his travel to India for treatment following consultations with his family.
Despite his death and burial on October 19, 2025, speculation over the circumstances surrounding his passing has continued to circulate online.
The DCI’s statement highlights rising concern over misinformation on social media, especially false content about public figures, and urges Kenyans to verify information from trusted sources before sharing it.
