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Africa: Raila's Silence Rekindles Africa's Curse of Hidden Illnesses

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Nairobi — Raila Odinga’s absence from public limelight continues to spark a storm of speculation regarding his health.
Social media is on fire with claims that the 80-year-old ODM leader is hospitalized abroad.
Some say he has traveled to Europe for treatment. Others claim doctors have advised him to slow down.
Then came the official denials.
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ODM, in a strongly worded statement, dismissed the rumours as “political theatre,” accusing opposition leaders Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and their allies of spreading fake news, even using AI-generated images to portray Raila as gravely ill.
Raila’s spokesman, Dennis Onyango, insisted that the veteran politician was fine, saying he had simply travelled out of the country for one of his routine trips.
“He is not indisposed, as prayed for by his frustrated opponents,” Onyango said, describing Raila as a man who has always been open about his health.
But the explanations didn’t end the whispers. If anything, they deepened them.
Why does the health of Africa’s political leaders always attract so much secrecy, denial, and speculation?
Why can’t leaders who are public figures paid by public money simply tell the truth about their health?
– A familiar pattern –
Across Africa, the health of top leaders has long been a mystery wrapped in rumours.
In 2010, Nigeria’s former President the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua vanished from public view for months.
Officials insisted he was “resting,” even as his country was gripped by anxiety.
When he finally died, many Nigerians felt betrayed not just by his illness, but by the secrecy that surrounded it.
Zambia’s Michael Sata followed the same script. As president, he disappeared from the limelight amid reports of failing health.
His ministers insisted he was “just tired.”
When he died in a London hospital in 2014, even his Cabinet was caught off guard.
And in Tanzania, the late President John Magufuli, a fierce Covid-19 skeptic vanished from public view in 2021.
Officials blamed his absence on “sinus infections.” A week later, he was dead.
It is a pattern that repeats itself again and again: leaders fall sick, their aides deny it, the rumours grow, and the truth emerges only when it’s too late.
Across the Atlantic, the contrast couldn’t be sharper.
In the United States, the White House routinely releases detailed medical summaries of the President’s health, often followed by press briefings.
In the UK, doctors speak openly after the Prime Minister’s hospital visits.
But in Africa, even minor ailments become state secrets. Why is it easier to know the health of the U.S. President than an African one?
– Why the secrecy? –
Part of the problem lies in Africa’s political culture, one that treats power as divine, and illness as weakness.
Many leaders fear that admitting poor health will invite rebellion or political vultures.
Others believe the public has no right to know what goes on in their bodies.
But that secrecy comes at a cost.
It breeds mistrust, fuels conspiracy theories, and opens space for misinformation.
Ironically, it is the same fake news that leaders later condemn yet they help create it by staying silent.
At 80, Raila remains one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
His words still shape national debate, and his endorsement can swing entire regions.
That’s why any prolonged silence from him especially without clear communication instantly sparks anxiety and speculation.
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ODM insists that Raila has always been honest about his health, citing past disclosures when he underwent surgery in 2010 and contracted Covid-19 in 2021.
But this time, many Kenyans feel something was off, not necessarily because he is unwell, but because of how both sides handled the matter.
According to observers, the public deserves more than vague statements and counter-accusations.
In the age of social media and AI-generated rumours, transparency is no longer optional, it’s a duty.
Whether it’s Raila, Magufuli, Yar’Adua, or Sata, Africa’s leaders keep repeating the same tragic mistake hiding behind silence, secrecy, and spin.
In a continent where citizens have watched their presidents vanish, die, or reappear without explanation, the trust deficit runs deep.
Maybe it’s time African leaders learned that truth doesn’t weaken leadership it strengthens it.
Because in the end, rumours only thrive in the dark.
Read the original article on Capital FM.
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Africa: Governor Sanwo-Olu Excited As Lagos Becomes First African City to Host E1 Electric Powerboat Race

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2 hours ago

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October 8, 2025

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“By joining cities like Monaco, London, and Venice on the E1 calendar, Lagos has once again shown that we are bold, resilient, and ready to take our place on the global stage,” the govenor said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday evening hailed the city’s debut as the first African host of the E1 electric powerboat race, the E1 Lagos GP, describing it as a milestone in clean energy, innovation, and youth empowerment.
In a post on X, Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked President Bola Tinubu for his goodwill message and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability and the blue economy.
“By joining cities like Monaco, London, and Venice on the E1 calendar, Lagos has once again shown that we are bold, resilient, and ready to take our place on the global stage,” he said.
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The championship, which comes to an end on Sunday at the Victoria Island Lagoon, began Friday with a vibrant boat regatta showcasing the beauty of Lagos’ waterways.
Saturday featured qualifying trials and high-speed races, during which competitors demonstrated skill, precision, and teamwork.
“Lagos truly shone as we hosted the world with warmth, pride, and excitement. I’m proud of everyone who helped make this event a success and of the amazing Lagosians who came out to support,” the governor said.
Speaking at the African Blue Economy Summit recently, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the city’s ambition to leverage its waterways for jobs, innovation, transport, and climate resilience.
“Hosting the E1 Lagos GP has shown how water can inspire sport, entertainment, and big ideas in technology and sustainability,” he said, noting ongoing investments in maritime infrastructure and water transport.
In a thrilling qualifying session, Team Rafa, owned by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, secured pole position ahead of Team Brady and Aoki Racing. The result lifted Team Rafa to the top of the overall standings with 136 points, one ahead of Team Brady on 135, while Aoki Racing followed with 125 points.
Additionally, Team Brazil, sponsored by Claure Group, earned 51 points. Other standings include Team Blue Rising (114), Westbrook Racing (82), Team Alula (LeBron James, 79), Team Drogba Global Africa (66), and Team Miami (32).
E1 founder and CEO Rodi Basso hailed the Lagos round as a defining moment for motorsport in Africa and for the championship’s global expansion.
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He said, “The warm welcome in Lagos has been incredible. The passion of Nigerians made this historic E1 Lagos GP presented by FirstBank possible.
“Our ambition is to build a motorsport legacy in Africa. This weekend’s race is just the beginning, and today’s qualifying offered a thrilling preview of race day.”
Thousands of fans are expected at the Marina waterfront on Sunday as excitement builds across Lagos.
African football legend Didier Drogba and partner Gabrielle Lemaire, instrumental in bringing the E1 Series to Africa, will attend to support Team Drogba Global Africa.
The E1 Series, sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), is the world’s first all-electric powerboat championship. Launched in 2024, it features hydrofoil-equipped RaceBirds that can reach speeds of up to 50 knots while reducing environmental impact.
The 2025 season includes cities such as Jeddah, Doha, Monaco, and Miami, with Lagos marking Africa’s first appearance.
The event has attracted celebrity-backed teams, including Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, LeBron James, Steve Aoki, Virat Kohli, and Will Smith.
Highlights of the Lagos GP, including thrilling near-flips and high-speed manoeuvres, are available here: E1 Lagos GP 2025: Team Brady’s Near Flip Shocks the Crowd.
Read the original article on Premium Times.
AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.
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Africa: Gambia Slip to Guinea Bissau in Wafu a U-17 Cup of Nations Starter

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8 hours ago

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October 7, 2025

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The Gambia on Sunday lost to Guinea Bissau 2-0 in their opening match of the 2025 WAFU A U-17 Cup of Nations played at the Stade Mamadou Konateh.
The Baby Scorpions made an astonishing start to the match and contained Guinea Bissau in the midfield, crafting several goal scoring opportunities.
Bisenty Mendy could have opened the scores for The Gambia twice in the first half but his shots went away.
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Alieu Drammeh also came very close to opening the scores for the Baby Scorpions during the first half but his shot went over the cross bar.
Guinea Bissau opened the scores before half time.
The Gambia reacted quickly for an equaliser and created goal scoring opportunities but were wasteful in front of goal thus the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Guinea Bissau.
Upon resumption of the match, The Gambia injected in several fresh legs to fancy their chances of levelling the scores.
The Baby Scorpions mounted heavy pressure on Guinea Bissau and created many goal scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise on them.
Guinea Bissau scored their second goal in the dying minute of the match to dart The Gambia’s hopes of coming back to their feet.
The Gambia fought hard for an equaliser and piled heavy pressure on Guinea Bissau, creating goal scoring chances but failed to materialise on them thus the match ended 2-0 in favour of Guinea Bissau.
The win earns Guinea Bissau second-place in Group A of the 2025 WAFU A U-17 Cup of Nations with 3 points in one group match.
The Baby Scorpions occupy third-place in Group A of the sub-regional cadet biggest football fiesta without a point after one group match.
The Gambia need to beat Liberia in their second group match on Wednesday to increase their chances of cruising to the semi-finals of the 2025 WAFU A U-17 Cup of Nations.
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Read the original article on The Point.
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Africa: AUC Chairperson Received H.E. Ruslan Nasibov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan

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October 7, 2025

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Last week, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received H.E. Ruslan Nasibov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the AU.
They exchanged on strengthening Africa-Azerbaijan relations. The Chairperson commended Azerbaijan’s constructive diplomacy and efforts toward peace, including in its region.
Ambassador Nasibov congratulated the Chairperson on his election and conveyed his country’s continued support, as well as a personal invitation from President Ilham Aliyev to visit Azerbaijan and participate in the World Urban Forum in Baku next year.
Read the original article on African Union.
AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.
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