The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dismissed viral social media claims alleging that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was poisoned, terming the reports false, misleading and intended to misinform the public.
In a statement issued on Friday, the investigative agency responded to a widely shared post that claimed an Indian doctor had confessed to being paid Ksh300 million to poison Raila while he was receiving treatment in India. The post further alleged that the doctor used botulinum toxin, a substance known to affect the nervous system.
According to the DCI, the information circulating online is fabricated and does not have any factual basis. Detectives urged members of the public to exercise caution when consuming and sharing information on social media platforms, particularly on sensitive matters involving public figures.
The agency noted that the viral claims were part of a growing trend of misinformation targeting political leaders and prominent personalities, often without evidence or verification.
The false allegations have attracted significant attention online, with many users sharing and commenting on the claims before they were flagged by investigators. The DCI has now called on Kenyans to rely on credible and verified sources of information instead of forwarding unconfirmed reports.
The latest clarification comes months after the death of Raila Odinga, whose passing continued to attract public discussion and speculation in different quarters.
According to previous reports, Raila passed away on October 15, 2025, while in India. He was reportedly rushed to a nearby medical facility after suffering a medical emergency but was pronounced dead despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life.
At the time, reports indicated that cardiac arrest was the immediate cause of death, although he was also managing other health conditions. His death prompted an outpouring of grief across the country, with leaders and citizens paying tribute to one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
Despite official reports on the circumstances surrounding his death, speculation has continued to surface online, with various unverified claims being shared on social media platforms.
The DCI has reiterated that misinformation can cause unnecessary anxiety and confusion among the public and has urged Kenyans to verify information before sharing it.
The agency maintains that responsible use of social media remains critical in combating the spread of false information and protecting the integrity of public discourse.
 has dismissed viral social media claims alleging that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was poisoned, terming the reports false, misleading and intended to misinform the public.){kind=link}