Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has issued an emotional message amid growing public concern over his health, reflecting on the painful coincidence of celebrating his birthday on the same day his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, died.
In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Oburu expressed gratitude to his family, medical team, party members and household staff for standing by him during a difficult period marked by illness and bereavement.
His message came as thousands of mourners, political leaders and supporters gathered at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, to commemorate the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
The ODM leader was conspicuously absent from the memorial, prompting renewed questions about his condition and whereabouts.
The occasion was particularly significant because it marked both Raila’s first death anniversary and Oburu’s 83rd birthday.
In his tribute, Oburu described the date as a deeply meaningful intersection of personal celebration and sorrow, reflecting on the enduring bond between the two brothers despite Raila’s death.
“Today, October 15th, is far more than just a date on the calendar, it is a sacred intersection of life and eternity,” he wrote.
He further reflected on the emotional weight of sharing his birthday with the anniversary of his brother’s passing, portraying the coincidence as a connection that transcends physical separation.
For Oburu, the day was therefore not simply another birthday.
It was an occasion to remember a brother with whom he shared family ties, political history and a long journey in Kenya’s public life.
He also paid tribute to Raila’s memory, expressing confidence that their bond remained unbroken by death.
“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 said.
The message offered a personal glimpse into the grief surrounding the Odinga family as it marked one year since the death of the veteran opposition leader, whose political career shaped Kenya’s democratic struggle and national politics.
Oburu’s message followed growing concern about his health after he skipped several public engagements in recent weeks, including the dedication and handover of Raila’s mausoleum in Bondo on October 7.Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, sought to calm the concerns during Thursday’s memorial, confirming that Oburu was unwell but dismissing fears that his condition was critical.Ida explained that the doctors attending to the senator had advised him to slow down and avoid large public gatherings as he recuperated.
Her remarks came amid widespread speculation on social media about the ODM leader’s condition, including unverified claims about his death that had already prompted strong reactions from his family and political associates.
Oburu was admitted to The Nairobi Hospital on October 4 after returning from medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
His family subsequently urged Kenyans to stop circulating unverified reports and allow him time to recover.
In an earlier statement, the family said he needed time to regain his strength following several weeks of treatment locally and abroad. However, it did not disclose the specific illness he was being treated for.
The latest message similarly offered no detailed medical diagnosis, but his public expression of gratitude and personal reflections provided an update from the senator himself.
The family has maintained that responsible communication is important, warning that false reports about a person’s health can cause unnecessary distress to relatives and supporters.
Beyond reflecting on his brother’s death, Oburu acknowledged the people who have supported him during his recovery.
He specifically thanked his spouses, Dr Ann Oburu and Mama Judith Oburu, as well as staff at The Nairobi Hospital, ODM members and his domestic staff for organising a birthday surprise.“Your love and presence have made this solemn yet special day truly comforting. May God bless you all abundantly,” he said.
The acknowledgement highlighted the personal support surrounding the veteran politician at a time when public attention has increasingly focused on his health.His absence from the Bondo memorial meant he could not join relatives, friends and political allies in person to honour Raila. Nevertheless, his written tribute allowed him to participate in the commemoration through a deeply personal message.
The developments also come at a sensitive moment for ODM, which has been navigating questions about its leadership and political direction since Raila’s death in October 2025.Oburu assumed leadership of the party following his brother’s death and was subsequently confirmed as ODM party leader.
His position has placed him at the centre of discussions about the party’s future, internal cohesion and relationship with President William Ruto’s administration.
His recent absence from public events has therefore attracted attention beyond concerns about his health, with supporters and political observers keen to understand how the party will maintain its activities while its leader recuperates.
However, Oburu’s office and family have urged the public not to confuse his absence from public engagements with an inability to continue leading the party.
The immediate priority, according to the family’s public statements, is for the senator to follow medical advice and recover fully before resuming his normal activities.No specific date has been announced for his return to public engagements.
For the Odinga family, October 15 will remain a date carrying contrasting emotions: the celebration of Oburu’s birth and the remembrance of Raila’s death.
Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, ending a political journey that spanned decades and included multiple presidential bids, a prominent role in the struggle for multiparty democracy and service as Kenya’s Prime Minister under the 2008–2013 coalition government.
His first death anniversary brought together family members, political leaders and supporters to reflect on his legacy and the future of the political movement he helped build.Oburu’s message added a personal dimension to the commemorations, showing how the anniversary intersects with the family’s private grief.
As he continues his recovery, the senator’s tribute serves as both an expression of gratitude to those supporting him and a reminder of the enduring personal bond he says he shares with his late brother.
For now, his family is asking Kenyans to give him time to recuperate, while his message makes clear that Raila’s memory remains central to a birthday that can no longer be celebrated without recalling the loss of a brother and a defining figure in Kenya’s political history.
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