On October 6, rumors spread on social media that Oburu Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, had died. These claims prompted a response from Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who is also the national chairperson of ODM. Wanga confirmed that she personally visited Oburu the same evening and provided an update on his condition. According to Wanga, Oburu is recovering steadily after a medical trip abroad and a routine checkup at The Nairobi Hospital.
Wanga took to social media platform X to reassure the public about Oburu's health. She stated that Oburu was in high spirits and recovering well. Wanga also expressed her gratitude for the continued prayers for Oburu's full recovery. This update came as a relief to many who had been speculating about Oburu's health following the rumors that spread on social media.
Earlier in the day, ODM communications director Philip Etale had addressed the speculation on Oburu's health during an appearance on Radio Generation. Etale confirmed that he had spoken to Oburu and that the visit to The Nairobi Hospital was a routine medical review following his return from the United Kingdom, where he had been receiving treatment. Etale criticized those who had amplified the reports without verifying the facts.
Etale acknowledged that at Oburu's age, there was no cause for alarm and that he would not be active in political affairs in the weeks ahead. However, he maintained that Oburu's return to public life was only a matter of time. Oburu had returned to Kenya on September 25 after spending nearly three weeks in the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
The ODM party has been preparing to mark one year since the death of Oburu's brother, former party leader Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025, in India. The party has organized a month-long program titled "Mwezi wa Baba," which includes a series of events throughout October. The program began on October 2 with a national candle-lighting exercise, and a major gathering is set for October 9 in Kakamega.
During Oburu's time abroad, Wanga led the party's day-to-day operations, including overseeing political engagements across the Nyanza region. The memorial service for Raila Odinga will take place between October 10 and 15 at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, led by Raila's family. Regional events are also planned in Garissa, the Coast, Kajiado, and Turkana, with the program concluding at a large gathering in Nairobi on October 31.
Wanga's update on Oburu's health and the upcoming memorial events for Raila Odinga have helped to shift the focus back to the party's activities and away from speculation about Oburu's health. The ODM party is expected to continue with its planned events, celebrating the life and legacy of Raila Odinga.
Key points
- ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga confirms Oburu Odinga is recovering well after rumors of his death circulated online.
- The ODM party is organizing a month-long program to mark one year since the death of Raila Odinga.
- Oburu Odinga returned to Kenya on September 25 after spending nearly three weeks in the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
