ODM: Oburu Oginga disturbed by reports about his health

Orange Democratic Movement Communications Director Philip Etale speaking in Mombasa on May 3, 2026 / HANDOUT‎

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga is disturbed by reports circulating about his health as he recovers after several weeks of treatment abroad and locally, the party has said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale said Oburu wanted Kenyans to give him time to recover fully, regain his strength and return to active public life.

The statement came amid reports about the Siaya senator’s condition, which the party dismissed as fake news.

“Daktari Oburu is equally disturbed by the FAKE news,” Etale said.

He said Oburu’s family was devastated by the continued spread of the reports, urging Kenyans to exercise responsibility when sharing information about others.

“Whereas we enjoy the freedoms that give us the latitude to express ourselves freely, as citizens of Kenya, we must do it responsibly and with respect for other people,” the statement read.

Etale said the ODM leader was taking time to rest and recuperate following weeks of treatment, urging those spreading the reports to allow him to recover without additional distress.

“As he takes time to rest and recuperates after several weeks of treatment both abroad and locally, he wishes that the section of Kenyans who are happily spreading the news will give him time to recover fully, regain his health and energy and then return to active life soon,” he said.

The statement did not disclose the nature of Oburu’s illness or provide details of the treatment he received. It also did not specify when he would resume his normal activities.

The party appealed to the public to refrain from circulating unverified information, saying such reports could cause unnecessary pain to those affected.

“Let us refrain from spreading false information aimed at causing agony and pain to others,” Etale said.

Oburu represents Siaya County in the Senate and is the leader of ODM, a party that remains a major player in Kenya’s national politics.

The statement, dated October 13, 2026, was signed by Etale in his capacity as the party’s director of communications.

Earlier, ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo dismissed speculation about Oburu’s health, saying the party leader was doing well and was expected to return home either that day or the following day.

Omanyo criticised social media users spreading reports about his condition, saying the attention surrounding his health was partly due to his position as party leader.

“It’s unfortunate what I’ve been reading on social media. Those people who are seeking to have more likes or viewers, they will be disappointed because he’s up, he’s well, he’s fine. In fact, he’s headed home either today or tomorrow,” she said.