Oburu Oginga given strict orders by doctors after hospitalisation as office hits back at health rumours

ODM leader Oburu Oginga is recovering after a recent hospitalisation and has been instructed by his doctors to take a period of enforced rest and limit strenuous physical engagements, his secretariat has said.

The veteran Kenyan politician remains mentally alert and continues to follow political and national developments despite the restrictions placed on his activities, according to a statement issued by his office on Tuesday, October 6.

Oburu’s secretariat did not disclose the medical condition that led to his hospitalisation, nor did it say how long the restrictions imposed by his doctors are expected to remain in place.

Instead, the office sought to reassure ODM supporters and members of the public following reports about the party leader’s health that had circulated on social media.

According to the statement, Oburu has been ordered to prioritise rest while avoiding demanding physical engagements as he continues his recovery.

“While Dr. Oburu continues to observe strict directives from his doctors to take a forced rest and limit heavy physical engagements, he remains fully updated, mentally alert, and deeply engaged in key party and national matters,” the secretariat said.

The disclosure provides the clearest indication so far of the nature of the restrictions facing the ODM leader following his hospitalisation, while stopping short of revealing details of his diagnosis.

Oburu preparing speech for Raila mausoleum ceremony

Despite being advised to scale back his physical activities, Oburu has continued working on matters considered important to the ODM leadership, his office said.

The secretariat revealed that he was preparing his official speech for the handover ceremony of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.

The development was cited by the office as evidence that Oburu remained engaged with significant political and national events despite his doctors’ instructions.

“In an ironic twist of fate to the merchants of propaganda, at the exact moment these malicious rumours were being manufactured and spread online, Dr. Oburu was actively in the middle of preparing his official speech for the high-profile handover ceremony of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi,” the statement said.

The remarks underline a distinction between Oburu’s physical engagements, which doctors have reportedly asked him to limit, and his continued involvement in political affairs.

His office did not indicate whether he would personally attend the ceremony or whether his recovery would affect his participation.

Oburu office dismisses health reports as ‘fake news’

The statement was also issued in response to social media reports concerning the ODM leader’s health.

Oburu’s secretariat categorically rejected the reports, describing them as “malicious, unfounded fake news and propaganda”.

The office said the ODM leader was safe and in good spirits, while appealing for reassurance among party members, residents of Siaya County and the wider Kenyan public.

“We wish to assure the general public, members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the people of Siaya County, and the entire nation that Dr. Oburu Oginga is well, safe, and in good spirits,” the statement said.

The secretariat further accused those spreading the reports of using social media to circulate false information that could cause unnecessary distress to Oburu’s family, political supporters and members of the public.

The latest update comes as Oburu continues his recovery away from some of his usual physical engagements.

While his office has provided assurances about his wellbeing, it has not publicly disclosed the specific illness for which he was hospitalised. His doctors’ reported instruction to rest and limit heavy physical activity remains the main detail provided about his recovery.

For now, Oburu’s office says the ODM leader remains engaged with key political and national matters while following the medical advice issued to him.

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