NAIROBI, Kenya – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has appeared in birthday photographs following weeks of speculation about his health, offering a fresh glimpse of the Siaya Senator as he continues his recovery.
The images, obtained by Y News, show Oburu marking his 83rd birthday in an intimate celebration alongside his two wives and a group of Nairobi Hospital staff. The gathering included a cake-cutting ceremony.
The photographs emerged after Oburu missed several public engagements, including the first anniversary commemoration of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Oburu’s absence from the memorial had fuelled public interest in his condition, prompting family members and party officials to reassure supporters that he was recuperating.
Oburu Reflects On Birthday Shared With Raila’s Death Anniversary
In a birthday message, Oburu reflected on the coincidence that his birthday falls on October 15, the same date Raila died in India in 2025.
“Today, October 15, is far more than just a date on the calendar, it is a sacred intersection of life and eternity. Marking another year of my own birth on this very day brings a bittersweet reflection, knowing it is also the date my beloved younger brother, Baba Raila Amolo Odinga, departed to be with the Lord,” the statement said.
He described the shared date as a reminder of the bond between the two brothers, despite Raila’s death.
“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 added.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical attention in India.
Ida Odinga Explains Why Oburu Missed Memorial
Oburu was a notable absentee at the anniversary event, where Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, and Kisii Governor Simba Arati addressed mourners.
She also indicated that he had been advised against attending politically charged events during his recovery.
In a separate message delivered by Arati at the memorial, Oburu said his doctors had ordered strict bed rest and no public appearances for the immediate future.
“While my doctors have mandated a strict regimen of bed rest and ordered zero public appearances for the immediate future to guarantee a full and swift recovery, my heart, mind and spirit are with you at Migwena Cultural Ground,” he said.
The message reassured ODM members that he remained connected to the party despite his absence from public engagements.
Family Had Dismissed Reports Of Deteriorating Health
Oburu’s absence from public events in recent weeks had triggered reports about his health, including claims that he had travelled to the United Kingdom for treatment of an unspecified condition.
The Odinga family and his political secretariat have repeatedly pushed back against reports suggesting his condition had deteriorated.
On October 6, Oburu’s secretariat described reports of his death as malicious propaganda and fake news, urging the public to disregard them.
His latest birthday message also acknowledged the care he had received at Nairobi Hospital, where he praised staff for their professionalism and kindness.
“Thank you to the dedicated Nairobi Hospital staff for your exceptional professionalism and kindness, and to the ODM fraternity, wonderfully represented today by Trustee Elder Joshua Kawino, for standing steadfastly with our family,” he said.
