Editor's Review
The Office of ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the veteran politician had died.
The Office of ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the veteran politician had died.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 6, the party leader’s office described the reports as false and malicious, while assuring Kenyans that Oburu was alive, safe and recovering.
"The Office of the Party Leader wishes to categorically condemn and debunk 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," the statement read.
The office criticised the spread of unverified information on social media, saying such platforms should not be used to cause distress to individuals, their families and the public.
"It is deeply unfortunate that in this modern age of free information, digital connectivity, and open media, individuals choose to weaponize online platforms to cyberbully, peddle reckless falsehoods, and spread fake narratives for cheap attention.
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"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.
The office further reassured members of the public, ODM supporters and residents of Siaya County that Oburu was in good condition and remained engaged in preparations for an upcoming event.
"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.
"In an ironic twist of fate to the merchants of propaganda, at the exact moment these malicious rumors were being manufactured and spread online, Dr. Oburu was actively in the middle of preparing his official speech for the high-profile handover ceremony of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi," the statement further read.
The office said Oburu was continuing to follow medical advice requiring him to rest and limit strenuous engagements, but remained mentally alert and involved in important party and national affairs.
"While Dr. Oburu 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," the statement noted.
The office also urged the public and media to disregard unverified claims and instead seek information from official communication channels.
"We urge 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.
"We are in communication with the the party leadership to handle the matter legally. Cyber bullying and the deliberate spread of misinformation targeted at its leadership, and we advise those responsible to cease these toxic digital behaviors," the statement concluded.
Earlier, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga had dismissed the death claims, saying she had visited Oburu in the evening and found him in good spirits as he continues to recover.
The governor said Oburu was making steady progress and urged Kenyans to continue praying for his full recovery.
"My party leader Oburu is recovering steadily. I was with him this evening and he is in high spirits. We continue to pray for his full recovery," she wrote.
