The wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Ida Odinga, has confirmed that her brother-in-law, Oburu Odinga, is alive but feeling unwell.
Speaking during the memorial event in honor of Raila’s first death anniversary at Migwena grounds, Bondo, Siaya County Ida said the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader was advised by his doctors not to attend the event.
“Allow me to convey apologies from Daktari Oburu Odinga, Oburu is not feeling well but he is not very sick he is alive,” Ida said on Thursday.
“The doctors who are looking after him have said he should go slow and not come to a rowdy rally like this."
Ida said Oburu had told her to tell the public he was resting and that they should pray for his recovery.
Dr. Oburu has experienced several reported periods of ill health throughout 2026. He was recently admitted to The Nairobi Hospital on October 4, after returning from medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
The family had earlier clarified Oburu’s condition after claims that Oburu was dead.
"The family of the ODM Party Leader Sen. (Dr) Oburu Oginga is devastated by the continued spreading of fake news relating to his health. Daktari Oburu is equally disturbed by the fake news,” the family said in a statement.
They called for responsible communication, urging Kenyans to respect the privacy and well-being of others.
“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 further urged the public to refrain from circulating unverified information, warning against the distress such reports could cause to individuals and their families.