Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna /FILENairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has raised concern over the spread of misinformation about the health of Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga.
Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, Sifuna said alarming information had circulated online about Oburu, amid reports falsely suggesting that the veteran politician had died.
Sifuna said the government should take action to stop the spread of misinformation, citing the reports about his colleague as an example.
“Yesterday, Speaker, you know there was very alarming information about one of our colleagues, the Honourable Senator for Siaya. We continue to pray that he is okay and that he gets well soon and resumes his duties,” Sifuna said.
He said he had not seen action taken to stop the spread of misinformation.
“But I have not seen any action being taken to stop the spread of misinformation, Honourable Speaker,” Sifuna said.
His remarks came a day after reports about Oburu’s alleged death spread rapidly on social media, prompting statements from ODM officials and the senator’s office to dismiss the reports.
ODM National chairperson Gladys Wanga said on Tuesday evening that she had visited Oburu and found him in good spirits.
“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.
The Oburu Oginga Secretariat later dismissed the reports as fake news and said the Siaya senator was “well, safe, and in good spirits”.
The office said Oburu had been under doctors’ instructions to take forced rest and limit heavy physical engagements. It also said he remained mentally alert and engaged in key party and national matters.
The reports followed Oburu’s recent visit to Nairobi Hospital. ODM Director of Communication Philip Etale said the senator had gone to the hospital for a check-up and would temporarily reduce his political engagements while resting.
The matter remained in focus on Wednesday when Oburu was absent from the handover and dedication ceremony of the Raila Odinga mausoleum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
Raila Odinga’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, confirmed that Oburu was unwell and apologised for his absence.
“Allow me to convey apologies from my senior brother-in-law, Oburu Oginga, who is unfortunately unable to be with us today because he is unwell,” Ida said.
She asked Kenyans to continue praying for his recovery, saying she hoped he would soon be able to join the family and the public.
The developments have provided further confirmation that Oburu is alive, although he remains unwell and under medical care.
Sifuna’s remarks came as the Senate discussed the government’s approach to misinformation and the role of digital platforms in the spread of unverified information.
