- Oburu reflected on the coincidence of sharing his birthday with the anniversary of Raila’s death, describing the day as a moment of both celebration and grief.
- He described the coincidence as a special bond between brothers, saying their connection remained unbroken despite Raila’s death.
The Orange
Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has broken his silence
following online rumours about his health, expressing gratitude to his family,
medical staff and party members who marked his birthday on the day of his
younger brother Raila Odinga’s first death anniversary.
In a social media
post on Thursday, October 15, Oburu reflected on the coincidence of sharing his
birthday with the anniversary of Raila’s death, describing the day as a moment
of both celebration and grief.
“Today, October
15th, is far more than just a date on the calendar, it is a sacred intersection
of life and eternity,” he wrote.
He described the
coincidence as a special bond between brothers, saying their connection
remained unbroken despite Raila’s death.
“To have been born
on this day and for you to have departed on this same date is a divine
testament to the invisible thread that binds our souls. Physical separation
cannot touch a brotherhood written in the heavens,” he added.
Oburu said he
continued to carry his brother’s spirit, describing their relationship as an
eternal connection that death could not break.
“As I mark the
anniversary of my birth, I carry your spirit within mine bound by a shared
journey that transcends time, and an eternal connection that death has no power
to break. Rest peacefully in the light, my brother,” he said.
The ODM leader
also expressed appreciation to his spouses, Dr. Ann Oburu and Mama Judith
Oburu, for their support, as well as staff at The Nairobi Hospital, members of
the ODM fraternity and his domestic staff for organising a birthday surprise.
“Your love and
presence have made this solemn yet special day truly comforting. May God bless
you all abundantly,” Oburu said.
Earlier on
Thursday, Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, confirmed that Oburu was alive but unwell, explaining that his doctors
had advised him against attending Raila's memorial event.
She added that
doctors caring for the ODM leader had advised him to rest rather than attend
the gathering.
Oburu has
experienced several reported periods of ill health in 2026. He was admitted to
The Nairobi Hospital on October 4 after returning from medical treatment in the
United Kingdom.
The family had
earlier condemned the circulation of reports on the Siaya Senator’s
health, describing them as fake news and calling for responsible communication.
In a statement,
the family said Oburu was taking time to rest and recover after several weeks
of treatment both abroad and locally.
“As he takes time
to rest and recuperate 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,” the statement read.
The family urged
Kenyans to refrain from spreading unverified information about his condition,
warning that such reports could cause unnecessary distress to individuals and
their relatives.