The Orange Democratic Movement and the Odinga family have dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has died. In a statement, ODM said the reports are false and urging Kenyans to rely on official communication.

The reports spread on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, after digital content creator Maverick Aoko posted a claim that Oburu Oginga had died. The post quickly circulated online, prompting responses from members of the Odinga family and senior ODM officials.

‘’OBURU ODINGA YOUTH LEADER

IS DEAD !’’

— Maverick Aoko (@AokoOtieno_) October 6, 2026

Oburu’s son, Jaoko Oburu, was among the first to respond, describing the reports as false and later updating family, friends and supporters on his father’s condition.

He said Dr. Oburu Oginga was making a steady recovery after a brief illness and thanked Kenyans for their prayers, love and support.

“Dear family, friends and supporters. I’m pleased to share that our Party Leader, Hon. Dr. Oburu Oginga, is making a steady recovery following a brief illness. We are deeply grateful for your prayers, love, and support during this time,” he wrote.

Dear family, friends and supporters. I’m pleased to share that our Party Leader, Hon. Dr. Oburu Oginga, is making a steady recovery following a brief illness. We are deeply grateful for your prayers, love, and support during this time.

— Jaoko Oburu Odinga (@jaokoburu) October 6, 2026

Homa Bay Governor and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga also addressed the reports after visiting Oburu.

“My PL Dr Oburu is recovering steadily. I was with him this evening and he is in high spirits. We continue to pray for his full recovery,” Wanga said.

My PL Dr Oburu is recovering steadily. I was with him this evening and he is in high spirits. We continue to pray for his full recovery

— Gladys Wanga, E.G.H. (@gladyswanga) October 6, 2026

The Odinga family later issued a formal statement signed by Ruth Odinga, stating that reports about Oburu’s death were false.

“Dr. Oginga is well and continues to recover steadily,” the family said.

The family thanked Kenyans who had reached out and asked the public, media and social media users to verify information before sharing it.

The family said false reports about his health were causing unnecessary distress and asked for continued prayers and privacy as he recovers.

The Office of the ODM Party Leader also dismissed the reports, describing them as false and malicious. The office said Oburu was well, safe and in good spirits and was following doctors’ advice to rest and limit heavy physical engagements.

The party said Oburu remained mentally alert and engaged in party and national matters. It also said he had been preparing remarks for the official handover of the late Raila Odinga’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi when the reports circulated.

The party said it was considering legal action over the social media posts.

OnTuesday, ODM Communications Director Philip Etale said Oburu had returned from a medical review in the United Kingdom and had visited Nairobi Hospital for a routine check-up.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC…
The ODM Leader Dr. @DrOburu_O is still in hospital but in stable condition. He is recovering well and taking the necessary rest as advised by his Doctor.
P.E

— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) October 6, 2026

Etale said there was no cause for alarm and that Oburu would reduce his political engagements for the next few weeks as he continued his recovery.

Kenyans have been urged to disregard the death reports and rely on official updates on Oburu Oginga’s health.

APERIT FM, HII NI YETU