Oburu Breaks Silence on Health, Defends ODM-Ruto Deal in Message to Raila Memorial

ODM leader Oburu Oginga has been ordered to avoid public appearances as he recovers from an illness, but his absence has not stopped him from laying out the party’s political strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Siaya Senator disclosed that his doctors had directed him to observe strict bed rest and stay away from public events for the immediate future.

His message was read by Kisii Governor Simba Arati on Thursday, 15 October, during the first anniversary commemoration of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.

The absence of the 83-year-old ODM leader had attracted attention during the gathering, with some mourners demanding to know why he was not present.

In his statement, Oburu apologised to the family, party officials and supporters who had gathered to remember Raila, who died in India on 15 October 2025.

“While my doctors have mandated a strict regimen of bed rest and ordered zero public appearances for the immediate future to guarantee a full and swift recovery, my heart, mind and spirit are firmly with you at Migwena Cultural Ground,” he said.

The statement did not disclose the nature of his illness or how long his recovery would take.

His sister-in-law, Ida Odinga, separately reassured mourners that Oburu was unwell but not seriously ill. She said doctors had advised him to slow down and avoid large gatherings.

The latest update follows other missed public engagements in recent weeks. On 7 October, Oburu was absent from the handover of Raila’s mausoleum in Bondo, with his family saying he was recovering.

His health has drawn public attention, but the family has asked Kenyans to respect his need for rest as he follows medical advice.

Oburu defends ODM’s partnership with Ruto

Beyond explaining his absence, Oburu used the memorial message to defend ODM’s participation in President William Ruto’s broad-based government.

The arrangement has been a subject of debate among party supporters, particularly those who view ODM’s history as an opposition movement as incompatible with working alongside the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Oburu rejected the suggestion that the partnership amounted to abandoning the party’s ideals.

“I want to confirm to you today that the Orange Democratic Movement’s current broad-based approach is neither a fallacy nor a betrayal of our long-standing struggle. Rather, it is a sophisticated, deliberate continuation of it,” he said.

His argument is that ODM can advance its agenda more effectively by participating in government and influencing decisions from within than by remaining outside the administration.

He said the party’s long-term ambitions included economic fairness, stronger devolution and accountable public institutions.

“The best and most effective way for us as a political party to fully realise Baba’s vision for Kenya is to strategically position ourselves to form the next government. We are laying that ground now from a position of numbers and unyielding structural strength,” he said.

The position reflects Oburu’s broader defence of the partnership. In May 2026, he argued that cooperation with the government had given ODM a greater opportunity to influence national decisions.

However, the political calculation carries risks. Cooperation with Ruto could give ODM access to decision-making, but it also leaves the party needing to explain how it will maintain its independent identity and hold the government accountable.

The March 2025 cooperation agreement between Ruto and Raila provided a framework for collaboration on governance, inclusion and other national issues. Raila’s death has since left ODM navigating its relationship with the administration without the leader who negotiated that arrangement.

Oburu’s latest message signals that the party intends to continue with the strategy rather than retreat from it.

Free and fair nominations promise

The ODM leader also sought to reassure members preparing to contest elective positions that the party would conduct free and fair nominations before the 2027 elections.

“I want to promise all our followers that we will have free and fair nominations. That includes the one for the senatorial position in Nairobi and other party positions that we will be having,” he said.

The promise comes as competition for party tickets begins to intensify.

Winnie Odinga, Raila’s daughter and a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, declared on 15 October that she intends to contest the Nairobi Senate seat.

Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has also announced his intention to pursue the position.

The two could face a competitive battle for the ODM ticket, although the final field will depend on the party’s nomination process and any changes in candidates’ plans.

Oburu’s pledge will therefore be tested not only in Nairobi but across the country, where aspirants will expect a transparent process that gives members a fair chance to compete.

A credible nomination exercise could help the party maintain unity. A process perceived as favouring particular candidates could deepen internal disagreements at a time when ODM is still adjusting to Raila’s absence.

The party has yet to demonstrate how it will implement the promise in every contest. Clear rules, transparent procedures and credible dispute resolution will be important in determining whether members accept the outcome.

A birthday shared with a painful anniversary

Thursday carried a personal meaning for Oburu. He turned 83 on the same day that his family marked one year since Raila’s death.

He described the date as one of mixed emotions, bringing together gratitude for his own life and grief over the loss of his younger brother.

“Today, October 15, 2026, carries a dual and deeply profound meaning for me and my family,” he said.

“On a personal note, this day marks my 83rd birthday. Reaching 83 years of age is a milestone of immense grace. This day also marks exactly one year since the physical departure of our visionary leader, my beloved brother, the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga.”

Oburu said Raila had continued the political work of their father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, through his advocacy for democracy, constitutionalism and social justice.

He urged Kenyans to treat the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on those ideals and renew their commitment to national unity.

The message also sought to reassure ODM supporters that the party’s structures remained active despite the loss of its longtime leader.

Preserving Raila’s legacy beyond monuments

Oburu pointed to projects associated with Raila’s memory, including the mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo and the planned 60,000-seat Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium in Talanta City.

He thanked the Kenya Defence Forces for their role in constructing the mausoleum and acknowledged Kenyans and international supporters who had stood with the family during the period of mourning.

The mausoleum was formally handed over to the family on 7 October 2026, ahead of the anniversary. The project has been presented as a place to preserve Raila’s history and contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey.

But preserving a political legacy involves more than physical monuments. For ODM, it also means deciding how to sustain its support base, maintain internal cohesion and define its relationship with the government as the next election approaches.

Oburu’s message sought to link those questions to the party’s continued pursuit of political power.

“The Ngima lives on. Our spirit guides us still,” he said.

For now, the ODM leader’s immediate priority is recovery. His political message, however, leaves little doubt that he intends to remain involved in shaping the party’s future, even while doctors require him to stay away from public events.

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.