Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Dr Oburu Oginga has thanked his family, medical team and party members for their support, addressing speculation about his health.
His birthday fell on the first anniversary of the death of his younger brother, Raila Odinga.
In a social media post on Thursday, October 15, Oburu reflected on the coincidence of his birthday falling on the same date as Raila’s death, describing it as a day marked by both celebration and grief.
He said the shared date symbolised a special bond between the brothers, adding that their connection remained strong 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 said.
Oburu added that he continued to carry his brother’s spirit and that their bond transcended 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 wrote.
The ODM leader also thanked his spouses, Dr Ann Oburu and Mama Judith Oburu, for their support, as well as staff at The Nairobi Hospital, members of the party 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.
Earlier on Thursday, Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, confirmed that Oburu was alive but unwell. She said his doctors had advised him against attending Raila’s memorial event and recommended that he rest.
Oburu has reportedly experienced several periods of ill health in 2026. He was admitted to The Nairobi Hospital on 4 October after returning from medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
His family had previously criticised the circulation of reports about the Siaya senator’s health, describing them as fake news and urging the public to communicate responsibly.
In a statement, the family said Oburu was taking time to recover after several weeks of treatment both abroad and in Kenya.
“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.
The family urged Kenyans to avoid spreading unverified information about his condition, warning that such reports could cause unnecessary distress to him and his relatives.
Reflecting on the significance of the date, Oburu described 15 October as more than a birthday or anniversary, calling it “a sacred intersection of life and eternity”.
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