A video of Jaoko Oburu Odinga addressing his father's health has set Kenyan social media alight, coming at a moment when death rumours about Oburu Oginga were spreading rapidly online. This saw his son Oburu downplay the rumours before ODM leaders took to social media to counter the death hoax. However, in a post shared by Jaoko on his TikTok page, he shared a part of his interview with a local Dholuo radio station where he gave an update about his ailing father.
Jaoko sought to calm fears surrounding the ODM elder statesman's condition. He described his father as "a very social person" who had been placed under strict medical guidelines by his doctors following treatment abroad. He confirmed that Oburu had travelled outside Kenya for care and had since returned, but that medics were still monitoring him closely.
"Let me say sorry because there are people making others anxious that the Party Leader and Youth Leader has left us. It is true he was sick and even travelled outside for treatment. When he came back, the doctors wanted him to fully recover. There were a few things they were still monitoring, but they put strict guidelines as you know he is a very social person. All I am saying is he is doing okay and people should not be worried," Jaoko said.
He added that the elder Odinga was recovering and that those spreading false reports should instead be praying for him. He noted that he had been inundated with concerned calls since the rumours began circulating. ODM members also moved to counter the claims, insisting the reports of Dr. Oburu's death were entirely false.
The statement did little to silence sceptics online, with many drawing pointed comparisons to how Raila Odinga's health was communicated to the public in the past. Social media users had mixed reactions, with some expressing concern and others questioning the need for Oburu to address the nation directly.
In a separate report, ODM Party's chairman Gladys Wanga shared that she had seen Oburu and even had a walk with him moments before reports of his death emerged. She asked Kenyans to pray for his full recovery as she shut down the rumours, adding that Oburu was healthy and strong.
The recurring theme across the comments was a call for Oburu to appear in person and speak directly to Kenyans, with many feeling that second-hand assurances were not enough.
Key points
- Jaoko Oburu Odinga addressed the public during a phone call interview October 7, 2026, speaking directly about his father Oburu Oginga's health condition.
- Rumours had spread on social media that Oburu had passed on, prompting his team and ODM members to push back strongly against the claims.
- ODM Party's chairman Gladys Wanga confirmed that Oburu was healthy and strong.
