Ida Odinga has explained why Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga was absent from the first anniversary commemoration of late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County.
Addressing thousands of mourners at Migwena Cultural Grounds on Thursday, October 15, the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga apologised on behalf of the Siaya Senator and disclosed that he was unwell.
“There is something I want to say and I consider this very important. Please allow me to convey apologies from Dr. Oburu Odinga. He is not feeling well but he is not very sick. He is alive,” she said.
She clarified that his condition was not severe but said his doctors had advised him to reduce strenuous activities and avoid gatherings with large crowds.
Mama Ida Odinga and Oburu Odinga during the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Sunday, October 19 2025.
PCS
“The doctors who are looking after him have said that he should go slow and not come to a rowdy rally like this,” she added.
Her remarks came after sections of the crowd chanted Oburu’s name earlier during the memorial, demanding to know his whereabouts.
Videos from the event showed mourners insisting they wanted answers, amid growing speculation over the ODM leader’s health and absence from public engagements.
His health has attracted public attention in recent weeks after he missed several engagements, including the October 7 handover ceremony for the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum.
Raila’s death anniversary coincides with Oburu’s birthday, adding another dimension to the calls for information about his absence.
On Tuesday, October 13, ODM communications director Phillip Etale warned against circulating unverified claims about the party leader’s condition.
The party previously disclosed that Oburu had received treatment in Kenya and London and was taking time to recover under medical advice.
His secretariat also dismissed social media reports claiming that he had died, maintaining that he was alive, safe and in good spirits.
The commemoration event brought together supporters who travelled to honour the former Prime Minister through traditional performances, dancing and chants celebrating his political legacy.
Other members of the Odinga family present included Winnie Odinga, Raila Odinga Jr and Ruth Odinga, alongside political figures such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino.
Oburu Odinga (left) and his brother ODM party leader Raila Odinga (right) at an event in June 19, 2019
Kenyans.co.ke