The office of ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has dismissed social media reports about his health as “malicious” and unfounded, assuring the public that the veteran politician is well, safe and continuing to engage in key party and national matters.
In an official communiqué issued on November 6, 2026, the Dr Oburu Oginga Secretariat rejected claims allegedly circulated on social media by Maverick Aoko concerning the health and well-being of the ODM leader.
The secretariat described the reports as fake news and propaganda and urged members of the public and the media to disregard unverified claims about Dr Oburu’s condition.
“The Office of the Party Leader wishes to categorically condemn and debunk the malicious, unfounded fake news and propaganda currently being circulated on social media platforms by Maverick Aoko regarding the health and wellbeing of the senior statesman and ODM Party Leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga.”
Oburu said to be preparing Raila Odinga mausoleum speech
The secretariat said Oburu was actively working on official duties when the reports about his health were being circulated.
According to the statement, the ODM leader was preparing his official speech for the handover ceremony of the mausoleum of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
The office cited his involvement in preparations for the ceremony as evidence that he remained engaged with his responsibilities despite limiting his physical activities.
“Dr. Oburu was actively in the middle of preparing his official speech for the high-profile handover ceremony of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi,” the statement said.
ODM says Oburu is following doctors’ directives
The secretariat acknowledged that Oburu is currently limiting his physical engagements on the advice of his doctors.
It said he had been directed to take rest and avoid heavy physical activities but stressed that he remained mentally alert and involved in important matters.
“While Dr. Oburu continues to observe strict directives from his doctors to take a forced rest and limit heavy physical engagements, he remains fully updated, mentally alert, and deeply engaged in key party and national matters,” the office said.
The statement did not disclose any specific medical condition or diagnosis.
Office warns against social media misinformation
Oburu’s secretariat also criticised what it described as the misuse of social media to spread unverified information about public figures.
It argued that freedom of expression and open media are important to democracy but should not be used to spread false claims, attack individuals or cause unnecessary distress.
The office urged Kenyans and news organisations to verify claims concerning the ODM leader through official communication channels.
“We urge members of the public and the media to ignore the sensationalist fabrications being peddled by attention seeking bloggers and instead rely on official communication channels.”
The secretariat further said the matter was being handled in consultation with the party leadership and that legal action was being considered.
“We are in communication with the party leadership to handle the matter legally,” the statement said.
It also warned those responsible for what it described as cyberbullying and deliberate misinformation targeting the party leadership to stop the practice.
What Oburu’s office says about his health
The official position from Oburu Oginga’s office is that the ODM Party Leader is well, safe and in good spirits.
At the same time, the secretariat confirmed that he is following doctors’ instructions to rest and reduce heavy physical engagements.
The office said he remains mentally alert and continues to follow key party and national issues.
The clarification comes as the ODM leadership prepares for the handover ceremony of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, an event at which Dr Oburu is expected to have an official role.
For now, the secretariat has urged the public to rely on official statements rather than unverified social media reports concerning the ODM Party Leader’s health.
