- Jaoko Oburu Oginga shared a warm birthday tribute to his father, Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, on Thursday, October 15
- The message came as the Odinga family navigated a bittersweet day — Oburu's birthday falls on the first anniversary of his younger brother Raila Odinga's death
- Oburu, 83, has been away from public duties following a period of ill health, with rumours about his condition dismissed by family and ODM officials
Jaoko Oburu Oginga publicly celebrated his father's birthday on Thursday with a heartfelt message shared on X.
Source: Facebook
He wished Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga good health and many more years of joy.
What did Jaoko say about his father?
"Happy Birthday, Dad. 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," Jaoko wrote, garnering over 33,000 views within hours of posting.
The message came on a deeply significant day for the Odinga family. Oburu turned 83 on October 15, 2026, a date that also marks exactly one year since his younger brother, former prime minister Raila Odinga, passed away.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in Kerala, India, making the family's celebrations this year intertwined with grief and remembrance.
Is Oburu Oginga sick?
The birthday tribute arrived at a time when Oburu's wellbeing had become a subject of public concern.
In the weeks leading up to his birthday, rumours circulated on social media suggesting the veteran politician had died. His family and ODM officials moved swiftly to quash the claims.
ODM Interim Secretary General Catherine Omanyo confirmed that Oburu was in Kenya and recovering well after a brief hospitalisation for a check-up. He was expected to be discharged around October 13 or 14.
His secretariat explained that he had scaled back his public engagements on doctors' orders, allowing him time to rest and regain his strength.
ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale also urged Kenyans to stop sharing unverified information about Oburu's health, noting the reports were causing unnecessary distress to his family and close supporters.
The Senator's absence had already drawn attention when he missed the official handover ceremony of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo on October 7.
Jaoko stood in for him, reading a statement on his behalf and reassuring mourners that his father remained mentally alert but needed time to recover.
See the post below:
Kenyans wish Oburu well
Followers who came across Jaoko's birthday post responded with warm messages of support:
@LutomiaMGodfrey:
"Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Mzee our Party Youth Leader. We continue to pray for quick recovery as we thank God for his service and leadership to our nation."
@Collins56346766:
"Happy birthday to our party leader kijana wa pawa."
@PatrickNgaira1:
"Yes, Mzee brought you up well. When he gets up and strong, he may as well want another term at Senator seat or fight for gubernatorial."
@jjmurrey254:
"Happy Birthday. I wish him Gods blessings and grace Amen."
Oburu's representatives said he would resume his full responsibilities once cleared by his medical team.
How did Raila Jr honour his dad?
TUKO.co.ke also highlighted facts about Raila Junior’s tribute to his late father on the first anniversary of his death.
He recalled a cherished daily ritual and joined his family in remembering the former prime minister in Bondo.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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