By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Kenya, 6 October 2026 - The Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Dr Oburu Oginga on Tuesday issued a statement allaying fears over his health status after social media reports emerged claiming that he had died.
Dr Oginga who is also the Siaya Senator in a press release also posted on his Facebook page account stated that the Office of the ODM Party Leader condemns and debunks "the malicious, unfounded fake news and propaganda currently being circulated on social media platforms by Maverick Aoko regarding the health and wellbeing of the senior statesman and ODM Party Leader, Dr Oburu Oginga".
"It is deeply unfortunate that in this modern age of free information, digital connectivity, and open media, individuals choose to weaponise online platforms to cyberbully, peddle reckless falsehoods, and spread fake narratives for cheap attention," read part of the statement.
Dr Oginga who is the elder brother of the late prime minister Raila Odinga, aknowledged that while Free speech and open media are pillars of Kenya's democracy, they must never be perverted into tools for malice, character assassination, and causing unnecessary distress to families and the public.
The general public, members of the ODM, the people of Siaya County, and the entire nation have been assured that Dr Oginga is well, safe, and in good spirits.
The statement added that the rumours about his perceived death came when the Siaya Senator was actively in the middle of preparing his official speech for the high-profile handover ceremony of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang'o ka Jaramogi.
October has been dedicated as Baba's Month, in rememberance of Kenya's gallant son who died on 15 October 2025.
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Raila was fondly referred to as Baba. Dr Oginga took over the leadership of the ODM party following his brother's demise.
ODM Chairperson who is also Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, also stated that Dr Oginga was alive and in high spirits.
While Dr Oginga continues to observe strict directives from his doctors to take a forced rest and limit heavy physical engagements, he remains fully updated, mentally alert, and deeply engaged in key party and national matters.
His secretariat has urged members of the public and the media to "ignore the sensationalist fabrications being peddled by attention seeking bloggers and instead rely on official communication channels".
It added that Cyber bullying and the alleged deliberate spread of misinformation targeted at ODM leadership has no place in the society and the 'bullies' are advised to cease toxic digital behaviour.
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