- ODM's Director of Communications Philip Etale issued a statement on October 13, 2026, addressing false reports about Senator Oburu Oginga's health
- The party confirmed that Oburu Oginga has been undergoing treatment both abroad and locally for several weeks
- ODM called on Kenyans to stop spreading false information, saying the fake news had caused distress to the family
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has publicly condemned the spread of false information regarding the health of its party leader, Senator Oburu Oginga, urging Kenyans to act responsibly before sharing unverified claims.
Source: Facebook
In a statement dated October 13, 2026, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale described the family as "devastated" by the circulation of what he termed fake news about the senator's condition.
ODM confirms Oburu Oginga is recuperating
Etale confirmed that Oburu Oginga has been resting and recovering following several weeks of medical treatment received both outside Kenya and locally. The statement did not disclose the nature of the illness or the specific facilities where he received care.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
According to the party, the senator himself has been personally disturbed by the false reports circulating about him.
"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.
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. Daktari Oburu is equally disturbed by the FAKE news," the party said.
ODM urged those spreading the information to allow him the space and time needed to regain his health and energy before returning to public life.
"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," Etale wrote in the statement.
ODM calls for responsible use of freedom of expression
While acknowledging Kenyans' constitutional right to free expression, the party drew a clear distinction between that freedom and the irresponsible sharing of unconfirmed information. ODM called on the public to refrain from publishing or amplifying content that could cause distress to individuals and their families.
"Let us refrain from spreading false information aimed at causing agony and pain to others," the statement read.
The communication serves as the party's first official public response to the health-related rumours that have been circulating about the ODM leader. No timeline was given for when Oburu Oginga is expected to return to his official duties.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Authors:
Tags:
Hot: