The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has strongly dismissed viral social media claims alleging that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was poisoned, terming the reports false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 12, the DCI flagged a widely circulated social media post that claimed Raila had been poisoned using botulinum toxin by an Indian doctor who was allegedly paid to carry out the act.
According to the viral post, the doctor purportedly confessed to receiving KSh300 million to poison the veteran politician while he was undergoing treatment in India.
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The post further alleged that the substance used was botulinum toxin, a highly potent neurotoxin capable of causing paralysis by blocking nerve signals to muscles.
However, detectives categorically rejected the claims, stating that the information being shared online was entirely fabricated.
The DCI urged members of the public to disregard the allegations and refrain from spreading unverified information.
“The claims are false and misleading,” the agency said, warning that the spread of fake news continues to pose a serious threat to public trust and social stability.
The DCI’s response comes amid growing concerns over the increasing circulation of misinformation on social media platforms, particularly content targeting political leaders and public figures.
The rumours emerge nearly eight months after the death of Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025, while on a morning walk in Kerala, India.
Reports at the time indicated that he was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam after suffering a medical emergency.
Despite efforts by doctors to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the facility.
While cardiac arrest was reported as the immediate cause of death, subsequent verified reports indicated that the former Prime Minister had been battling several underlying health conditions.
Sources close to the family revealed that Raila had suffered a stroke weeks before travelling to India and was also managing chronic illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension.
At the time, President William Ruto was reportedly aware of Raila’s medical condition and facilitated his travel to India for specialized treatment following consultations with his family.
Despite his burial on October 19, 2025, speculation surrounding the circumstances of his death has persisted, with various unverified claims continuing to circulate online.
The DCI has reiterated its commitment to combating misinformation and urged Kenyans to verify information from credible sources before sharing it on social media platforms.