ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has broken his silence amid online rumours about his health, sharing an emotional tribute to his late younger brother, Raila Odinga, on a day marked by both celebration and grief.
In a social media post on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Oburu reflected on his birthday, which falls on the same date as Raila’s first death anniversary.
The veteran politician expressed gratitude to his family, medical staff, ODM members and domestic staff for their support and for organising a birthday surprise as the family remembered the former prime minister.
“Today, October 15th, is far more than just a date on the calendar, it is a sacred intersection of life and eternity,” Oburu wrote.
His message offered a deeply personal reflection on the connection he shared with Raila, who died on October 15, 2025.
Oburu Pens Emotional Message to Late Brother Raila
In his tribute, Oburu described the coincidence of his birthday and Raila’s death anniversary as a special bond between the two brothers.
He said their relationship remained unbroken despite Raila’s passing, portraying their connection as one that transcended physical separation.
“To have been born on this day and for you to have departed on this same date is a divine testament to the invisible thread that binds our souls. Physical separation cannot touch a brotherhood written in the heavens,” he stated.
Oburu added that he continued to carry Raila’s spirit with him as he marked another year of his life.
“As I mark the anniversary of my birth, I carry your spirit within mine bound by a shared journey that transcends time, and an eternal connection that death has no power to break. Rest peacefully in the light, my brother,” he wrote.
The message came as family members, political leaders and supporters gathered in Bondo, Siaya County, to commemorate Raila’s life and political legacy.
Oburu Thanks Wives, Doctors and ODM Members
Beyond remembering Raila, Oburu acknowledged the people who stood by him on his birthday.
He specifically thanked his spouses, Dr Ann Oburu and Mama Judith Oburu, for their support during the difficult period.
The ODM leader also expressed appreciation to staff at The Nairobi Hospital, members of the ODM fraternity and his domestic staff for making the day special.
“Your love and presence have made this solemn yet special day truly comforting. May God bless you all abundantly,” he said.
His appreciation came amid concerns over his health, with reports indicating that he had recently been receiving medical attention.
Ida Odinga Explains Why Oburu Missed Raila’s Memorial
Earlier on Thursday, Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, addressed concerns about Oburu’s absence from the memorial gathering.
Ida confirmed that the senator was alive but unwell, explaining that his doctors had advised him against attending the event and recommended that he rest.
The clarification followed online rumours about the ODM leader’s condition.
Oburu had reportedly been admitted to The Nairobi Hospital on October 4 after returning from medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
His family had previously condemned the circulation of unverified reports about his health, describing them as fake news and urging Kenyans to allow him time to recover.
Oburu’s Family Appeals for Privacy as He Recovers
In an earlier statement, the family said Oburu was taking time to rest and recuperate after several weeks of treatment both abroad and locally.
The family appealed to Kenyans to avoid spreading unverified information about his condition, warning that such reports could cause unnecessary distress to him and his relatives.
“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.
Oburu’s latest message focused on gratitude, family and remembrance rather than directly addressing the individual health rumours circulating online.
His birthday tribute also highlighted the emotional significance of October 15 for the Oginga family, as the date marks both his birth and the anniversary of Raila’s death.
