ODM boss Oburu Oginga/FILEThe office of ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has dismissed reports circulating on social media about his health, saying the Siaya Senator is well, safe and in good spirits.
In an official communiqué issued Tuesday, the Oburu Oginga Secretariat described the reports as "malicious, unfounded fake news and propaganda" and urged the public to rely on official communication about his health.
The office said Oburu remained mentally alert and engaged in party and national matters despite being under doctors' instructions to rest and limit heavy physical engagements.
"We wish to assure the general public, members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the people of Siaya County, and the entire nation that Oburu Oginga is well, safe, and in good spirits," the statement said.
According to the secretariat, Oburu was preparing his official speech for the handover ceremony of the late Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang'o ka Jaramogi when reports about his health were being circulated online.
The office said the senator was observing "strict directives from his doctors" to take forced rest and reduce heavy physical engagements.
It added that he remained updated on developments and continued to engage in key party and national matters.
The statement comes after concerns about Oburu's health emerged following his recent visit to Nairobi Hospital.
ODM Director of Communication Philip Etale had earlier sought to reassure the public, saying Oburu went to the hospital for a routine check-up.
"Oburu is back. He went to Nairobi Hospital for a routine check-up, you know, at his age. He's an old man. There's no cause for alarm. I've seen people on social media, people in the media trying to blow things out of proportion. Oburu is okay. I spoke to him last evening," Etale said.
Etale also said Oburu would not be actively involved in politics for the next few weeks as he rested before resuming his activities.
"He'll not be actively involved in politics for the next few weeks or so. He'll be back in the fullness of time," he said.
The latest statement from Oburu's office also warned those spreading what it described as misinformation to stop, saying the party leadership was being consulted on possible legal action.
The office urged members of the public and the media to ignore what it termed sensational reports and instead rely on official communication channels.
