Oburu is alive and well, ODM says amid social media death claims

Reports claiming ODM leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga had died have been dismissed by his office, which says the veteran politician is alive, safe and in good spirits.

The denial came on Tuesday, October 6, after claims about Oburu’s alleged death spread on social media.

His secretariat described the reports as false and malicious, urging Kenyans, ODM members and the people of Siaya to rely on official communication about his health.

“We wish to assure the general public, members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the people of Siaya County, and the entire nation that Dr. Oburu Oginga is well, safe, and in good spirits,” the secretariat said.

The statement came as the Odinga family prepares for another significant moment following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Oburu is expected to be involved in preparations surrounding the handover and unveiling of Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo on Wednesday, October 7.

The ceremony will be restricted to invited guests and is expected to bring together President William Ruto, members of the Odinga family, political leaders and other dignitaries.

The mausoleum is being completed ahead of activities marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death on October 15. Public access to the site is expected to begin after the restricted ceremony.

Oburu was receiving medical attention

While dismissing reports of his death, Oburu’s office acknowledged that he has been under doctors’ instructions to rest and reduce strenuous physical engagements.

ODM Communications Director Philip Etale also sought to calm concerns about the senator’s health.

Etale said he had spoken to Oburu and confirmed that the senator had visited Nairobi Hospital for a routine check-up.

He said Oburu was not rushed to hospital and urged the public to verify information before sharing it.

The clarification provides important context to the rumours. Oburu may have reduced his public engagements, but his office says he remains mentally alert and continues to follow political and national developments.

His secretariat said he was preparing his speech for the mausoleum handover at the time the death reports were circulating.

Oburu’s role in ODM

The latest reports also come at a sensitive time for ODM, which has been adjusting to life without Raila, who died in October 2025.

Oburu, Raila’s elder brother, was formally confirmed as ODM party leader earlier this year. The Registrar of Political Parties gazetted him as the party’s new leader in January, while ODM later ratified his position at a Special Delegates Conference.

He remains the sitting Senator for Siaya.

His current role places him at the centre of ODM’s leadership as the party navigates the political period following Raila’s death and ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The party has also faced public debate over its leadership and political direction, making any unverified information about its leader particularly sensitive.

Call for responsible reporting

Oburu’s secretariat condemned those responsible for circulating the death reports, saying false information can cause unnecessary distress to families, supporters and the wider public.

“Free speech and open media are pillars of our democracy, but they must never be perverted into tools for malice, character assassination, and causing unnecessary distress to families and the public,” the office said.

The incident is another reminder of the risks posed by unverified claims about the health or death of public figures, particularly when such claims spread rapidly through social media before official confirmation is available.

For now, Oburu’s office says the ODM leader is alive and continuing with his duties, albeit with reduced physical engagements as he follows medical advice to rest.

The next major public moment involving the Odinga family is Wednesday’s restricted handover and unveiling of Raila’s mausoleum in Bondo.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.