Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media post alleging that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was deliberately poisoned while undergoing treatment in India.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 12, the DCI cautioned members of the public against spreading or believing the claims, which suggested that Odinga was poisoned using botulinum toxin by an Indian doctor allegedly hired to carry out the act.
According to the viral post, the doctor had purportedly confessed to receiving Ksh300 million to poison the veteran politician during his treatment in India. The post further claimed that the substance used was botulinum toxin, a highly potent neurotoxin that can interfere with nerve function and lead to paralysis by blocking communication between nerves and muscles.
However, the DCI firmly rejected the allegations, stating that the information circulating online was entirely fabricated. Detectives stressed that there was no evidence to support the claims and urged Kenyans to exercise caution when consuming and sharing information on social media platforms.
The agency's statement is the latest effort by authorities to curb the spread of misinformation online, particularly content involving prominent political figures and national leaders. In recent years, social media has increasingly become a breeding ground for unverified reports, conspiracy theories and manipulated content, often attracting widespread attention before being debunked.
The claims surrounding Raila's death have resurfaced months after the former Prime Minister's passing, reigniting speculation that has persisted despite official accounts of the circumstances leading to his death.
Odinga died on October 15, 2025, while in Kerala, India, where he had travelled for specialised medical treatment. Reports at the time indicated that he collapsed during a morning walk and was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam for emergency care.
Despite efforts by medical personnel to resuscitate him, doctors were unable to save his life and he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the facility.
Initial reports identified cardiac arrest as the immediate cause of death. However, subsequent verified accounts revealed that the former Prime Minister had also been battling several underlying health conditions that may have contributed to his deteriorating health.
Before travelling to India, Raila had reportedly suffered a stroke and was receiving treatment for other chronic illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension. His medical condition had become a matter of national concern in the weeks leading up to his departure for treatment abroad.
At the time, President William Ruto was reportedly informed about Raila's health challenges and personally facilitated his medical trip to India after consultations with the former Prime Minister's family.
Following his death, Raila was buried on October 19, 2025, in a ceremony that drew national attention and marked the end of a political career that had spanned decades.
Even so, speculation surrounding his final days has continued to circulate online. Various theories and unverified claims have periodically emerged on social media, with some users questioning the official explanation of his death despite the absence of credible evidence supporting alternative accounts.
The latest false poisoning claim underscores the challenges authorities continue to face in combating online misinformation. The DCI has repeatedly warned that the spread of fabricated information can cause unnecessary public anxiety and distort facts surrounding sensitive national issues.
Detectives have urged Kenyans to verify information through official channels before sharing it online, noting that misleading posts can rapidly gain traction and misinform thousands of users within a short period.
With the DCI now categorically dismissing the poisoning allegations, authorities are once again calling on the public to rely on verified information and avoid amplifying unsubstantiated claims surrounding the late former Prime Minister's death.
