Canada-based Kenyan lawyer Miguna Miguna has strongly condemned individuals who circulated false reports of the death of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, sparking widespread speculation and online celebrations. The rumours emerged after Oburu was hospitalised in Nairobi on October 5, 2026, following a medical trip to the United Kingdom. Miguna described the behaviour as primitive, retrogressive, and inhuman.
Oburu Odinga's absence from the handover ceremony of the Raila Odinga mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 7, 2026, had triggered the death rumours. The ceremony was presided over by President William Ruto, and Raila Odinga Junior conveyed the senator's apologies, while Mama Ida Odinga confirmed that Oburu was unwell and requested Kenyans to pray for him.
Miguna Miguna did not mince words in calling out the unscrupulous social media users spreading fake news about Oburu Odinga's death. He urged those attacking the senator and wishing him ill to reflect on their conduct. According to Miguna, circulating messages about Oburu's death and celebrating it was not a heroic act but rather cowardly.
Miguna further argued that despite people's opinions about Oburu Odinga, the senator had not been implicated in the abuse of public office. He noted that Oburu had not plundered public resources, abused power, abducted, tortured, or killed anyone during his time in public office. Miguna described Oburu as an elder facing health challenges.
The lawyer dismissed those who targeted Oburu Odinga as cowards, stating that attacking an old man going through health challenges and prematurely celebrating his death was not heroic. Miguna emphasized that he would not soften his stance on the matter, stating that those attacking Oburu and wishing him ill should be ashamed of themselves.
Following the circulation of the false reports, Oburu Odinga released a personal statement to reassure the public about his health. He clarified that his absence from the Bondo ceremony was on medical advice and that he was observing strict directives from his doctors to rest and limit his physical engagements.
Oburu Odinga expressed gratitude for the public's concern and reiterated that despite being confined to rest, he remained mentally and emotionally engaged. He assured the public that his spirit, mind, and heart were fully present. The senator's statement aimed to alleviate concerns and put an end to the speculation surrounding his health.
Key points
- Miguna Miguna condemns netizens for spreading false reports of Oburu Odinga's death.
- Oburu Odinga was hospitalised in Nairobi on October 5, 2026, following a medical trip to the United Kingdom.
- Oburu Odinga released a personal statement to reassure the public about his health.
