ODM Issues Fresh Update on Oburu Oginga’s Health

The ODM Party has issued a fresh update on the health of its party leader, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, expressing concern over the circulation of false information about his condition.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 13, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale said Oburu’s family was distressed by the continued spread of fake news regarding his health.

"Fellow Kenyans; the family of the ODM Party Leader Sen. (Dr) Oburu Oginga is devastated by the continued spreading of fake news relating to his health," he wrote.

Etale said the family was concerned about the impact of the reports, noting that Oburu himself was equally disturbed by the circulation of false information about his condition.

He reminded Kenyans that although freedom of expression was a constitutional right, it should be exercised with consideration for the rights and well-being of 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," he added.

Etale said Oburu was taking time to rest and recover after undergoing several weeks of treatment both abroad and locally. 

"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 further said.

Etale urged members of the public to stop circulating unverified reports that could cause unnecessary distress to the senator, his family and those close to him.

"Let us refrain from spreading false information aimed at causing agony and pain to others," he concluded.

This comes days after Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi visited Oburu in hospital, where he found him making good progress in his recovery.

Mudavadi made the visit on Wednesday, October 7, after returning from Bondo, Siaya County, where he attended the handing over and dedication ceremony of the mausoleum of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

"Upon returning from Bondo, Siaya County, where Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, attended the Handing Over and Dedication Ceremony of the Mausoleum of the late Raila Amolo Odinga, he paid a courtesy visit to ODM Party Leader Senator Oburu Odinga at the hospital," the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary said in a statement.

During the visit, Mudavadi briefed Oburu on the events in Bondo, where national leaders and Kenyans from across the country gathered to honour the life and legacy of his late brother, Raila Odinga.

"Mudavadi briefed him on the ceremony in Bondo, which brought together national leaders and Kenyans from across the country to honour the life and legacy of his brother, the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga," the statement added.

The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary said Oburu expressed appreciation for the support extended by President William Ruto, national leaders and residents of Siaya and the wider Nyanza region during the ceremony.

"Senator Oburu expressed his appreciation for the presence and support of President William Samoei Ruto, national leaders, and the people of Siaya and the wider Nyanza region, whose continued respect for the late Raila remains a fitting tribute to his immense contribution to the country," the statement further read.

Mudavadi also conveyed a message of goodwill to Oburu as he continues his recovery, assuring him of the solidarity and prayers of millions of Kenyans.

"Mudavadi wished Senator Oburu a speedy and full recovery and conveyed to him that millions of Kenyans continue to stand with him in prayer and solidarity during this period," the statement concluded.