The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga is not dead, his party and secretariat have confirmed. In a statement, Oginga's secretariat condemned and debunked what they said were unfounded fake news and propaganda on social media platforms by blogger Maverick Aoko. The statement assured the general public, members of ODM, the people of Siaya County, and the entire nation that Dr Oburu Oginga is well, safe, and in good spirits.
According to Oginga's office, the reports of his death started spreading online when he was preparing a speech for the handover ceremony of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang'o ka Jaramogi. President William Ruto is expected to grace the event in Siaya County where the mausoleum will be commissioned and dedicated. The ceremony is part of the celebrations that have been organized to celebrate the life of late ODM leader Raila Odinga as Kenya marks one year since his death on October 15, 2025.
Oginga's office stated that while he 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 office expressed regret that in the age of free information, digital connectivity, and open media, people were weaponizing social media platforms to bully people and spread falsehoods for cheap publicity.
The office called on the public and the media to ignore the fake news and to rely on communication from official channels. They also stated that they are in communication with the party leadership to handle the matter legally. ODM chairperson and Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga termed the reports of Oginga's death as fake.
Governor Wanga posted on X that she was with Oginga and he is in high spirits, recovering steadily. She added that they continue to pray for his full recovery. Wanga's confirmation of Oginga's well-being aims to put to rest speculation about his health.
The swift response from Oginga's secretariat and Wanga underscores the importance of verifying information, especially when it concerns public figures. The incident highlights the potential for misinformation to spread rapidly on social media and the need for credible sources to counter false narratives.
The incident also demonstrates the continued scrutiny and interest in the health and activities of prominent political figures in Kenya. As the country continues to navigate its political landscape, accurate and timely information from reliable sources remains crucial for the public and the media.
Key points
- ODM party leader Oburu Oginga is alive and well, contrary to reports circulating on social media.
- Oginga's secretariat and Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga have confirmed his well-being and dismissed the fake news.
- The incident highlights the challenges of misinformation on social media and the importance of verifying information through credible sources.
