The office of ODM Party Leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the veteran politician has died.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6, Oburu’s secretariat described the reports as “malicious propaganda” and fake news, assuring Kenyans that the ODM leader is alive, safe and in good spirits.
The secretariat said the reports, which were attributed to a popular Kenyan blogger, were false and urged members of the public to disregard them.
“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 statement said.”
The clarification comes amid growing speculation on social media about Oburu’s health, with unverified claims of his alleged death spreading across various platforms.
According to his office, the ODM leader remained engaged with party and national affairs despite having reduced his physical engagements.
The secretariat said Oburu was preparing his official speech for the upcoming handover ceremony of the mausoleum of his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Siaya County.
President William Ruto is among the high-profile leaders expected to attend the ceremony ahead of the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
Oburu’s office, however, acknowledged that the veteran politician had been advised by doctors to rest and limit strenuous physical activities.
Despite the reduced engagements, the secretariat said Oburu remained mentally alert and continued to follow developments within ODM and the wider national political scene.
The office condemned the circulation of the death reports, saying the claims had caused unnecessary distress to his family, supporters and members of the 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 statement added.
Oburu, the elder brother of the late Raila Odinga, became ODM Party Leader following Raila’s death in October 2025.
