- Jaoko Oburu Oginga took to social media to wish his father, ODM leader Oburu Oginga, a happy birthday on October 15
- The birthday message came on the same day Kenyans marked one year since his uncle Raila Odinga died in Kerala, India
- Oburu Oginga has been hospitalised in a Nairobi hospital for weeks, raising speculation about his health
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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.
Jaoko Oburu Oginga, son of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga, posted a birthday tribute to his father on Thursday, October 15, the same date that Kenyans gathered to mark the first anniversary of the death of former prime minister Raila Odinga.
Source: Facebook
In the post shared on X, formerly Twitter, Jaoko thanked his father for his guidance and expressed hope for his continued good health.
"Thank you for the endless love, mentorship, and example of integrity that guide me every day. May God bless you with good health, strength, and many more joyful years. We love and honour you," he wrote.
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Oburu, born in 1943, turned 83.
Oburu Oginga's health concerns
The birthday message carries added weight given that Oburu has spent weeks hospitalised at a Nairobi facility following his return from the United Kingdom, where he had travelled for a medical check-up.
His extended stay in hospital fuelled public speculation about his condition, though family members and ODM officials have repeatedly dismissed concerns, maintaining that he remains stable.
On October 15, he broke his silence while remembering the death of his younger brother, Raila.
Remembering Raila Odinga one year on
October 15 also marks the first anniversary of Raila's death. The veteran opposition leader and statesman collapsed during his morning walk in Kerala, India, on October 15, 2025.
Efforts to resuscitate him at a nearby hospital were unsuccessful, and he died after suffering a cardiac arrest. His passing shocked Kenyans, and he was widely mourned as one of the country's most consequential political figures.
In his post, Jaoko also paused to remember Raila, who was his uncle.
"A day like this last year we lost our hero, our leader and our father, Baba Raila Amollo Odinga. Today, we remember him and celebrate his life, service, and love he had for Kenya and Kenyans. Forever in our hearts, Jakom," Jaoko wrote.
Several Kenyans gathered in Bondo on Thursday to participate in memorial events marking the first anniversary of Raila's passing, with several leaders paying tribute and attending the ceremony honouring his legacy.
Wanga pays tribute to Raila
In related news, Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga paid tribute to Raila on the first anniversary of his death.
Source: Facebook
She credited the former prime minister with shaping her political career and pledged to protect ODM’s unity and advance his vision ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wanga said Raila gave her a platform and opened doors that helped shape her political journey. She urged his allies to keep his dream alive by building the just, democratic and inclusive Kenya he championed.
Source: TUKO.co.ke