- Attendees at Raila Odinga's first death anniversary in Siaya chanted Oburu Oginga's name, demanding his presence at the event
- Oburu's sister Wenwa Akinyi had previously said that doctors had not cleared the 83-year-old ODM leader to attend
- The disruption broke out minutes after the church session and during Rangwe MP Otiende Amollo's welcoming speech
Nancy Odindo is a current affairs writer at Tuko.co.ke (joined in 2023). She has one year of experience in print and more than five years in digital media.
Siaya: Crowds attending former prime minister Raila Odinga's first death anniversary ceremony at Migwena Cultural Showground on Thursday, October 15, disrupted proceedings by repeatedly chanting Oburu Oginga's name and demanding to see the ODM party leader in person.
Source: Facebook
The chaos erupted minutes before the church session took over the podium and during Rangwe MP Otiende Amollo's welcoming address.
Amollo remained firm at the podium despite the disruption as attendees in orange and white ODM-branded caps and shirts raised their hands and chanted: "We want Oburu! Oburu! Oburu!"
Why the crowd was demanding Oburu's presence
Oburu has been largely absent from the public eye for nearly three weeks following his return from the United Kingdom, where he had travelled for a medical check-up.
He was subsequently readmitted to a Nairobi hospital, triggering speculation that he had died. The ODM party and Oburu's family both dismissed the rumours, insisting he was alive.
ODM secretary general Catherine Omanyo had earlier indicated that Oburu was expected to be discharged on October 13 or 14, but no follow-up confirmation emerged after her remarks, further fuelling public anxiety.
At a candle-lighting event held ahead of the main anniversary ceremony, Oburu's sister Wenwa Akinyi addressed the crowd directly, explaining why the senator could not attend.
"Doctor Oburu has sent his apologies. He's still feeling unwell. He's not been given the clean bill of health by the doctor, but he's okay," Akinyi said.
Her explanation did not appear to satisfy attendees at the stadium, whose chants suggested they wanted direct, real-time proof of the party leader's well-being rather than secondhand assurances from family members.
Anniversary marks Oburu's 83rd birthday
October 15 also marks Oburu's birthday, with the senator turning 83 years old on the same date that coincided with Raila's death in Kerala, India, where the former prime minister suffered a cardiac arrest.
The two were close brothers, and the shared significance of the date added an emotional dimension to the ceremony.
Several leaders penned tributes in Raila's honour, despite the notable absence of some key leaders, including President William Ruto.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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