ODM party leader Oburu Oginga (right) with son Jaoko Oburu /COURTESYODM leader Oburu Oginga has disclosed that his doctors have ordered him to observe strict bed rest and avoid public appearances as he recovers from an undisclosed medical condition.
Oburu, who turned 83 today, said he was responding well to treatment but could not attend the first anniversary commemoration of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in Bondo, Siaya county.
In a statement which was also read on his behalf during the ceremony at Migwena Cultural Grounds, Oburu said his doctors had directed him to rest to ensure a full recovery.
“I am responding exceptionally well to treatment, and I want to reassure you that our party's strategic machinery remains active, fully aware of day-to-day operations, and moving forward without a single moment of pause,” he said.
Oburu said he regretted missing the event, which coincided with his birthday and marked one year since Raila’s death on October 15, 2025.
He has been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Nairobi and was scheduled to be discharged on Wednesday.
Oburu described the day as significant for both his family and the country, saying Raila’s legacy continued to shape Kenya’s democratic journey.
“Reaching 83 years of age is a milestone of immense grace, and while I cannot celebrate it face to face with you as I usually would, there is no greater birthday gift than seeing the legacy of our family and our struggle honoured so beautifully by the nation today,” he said.
Oburu also sought to reassure ODM members that his absence would not affect the party’s operations, saying its leadership structures remained active and capable of steering the movement.
He defended ODM’s broad-based political arrangement, dismissing claims that the approach amounted to a betrayal of the party’s historical struggle.
“I want to confirm to you today that the Orange Democratic Movement's current broad-based approach is neither a fallacy nor a betrayal of our long-standing struggle; rather, it is a sophisticated, deliberate continuation of it,” he said.
Oburu argued that ODM needed to participate in government to implement its agenda on economic equity, devolution and institutional reforms.
“The best, most effective way for us as a political party to fully realise Baba's vision for Kenya is to strategically position ourselves to form the next government,” he said.
He urged party members to remain united and avoid distractions as they work towards that objective.
Oburu also thanked President William Ruto and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for their roles in the construction and official handover of Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
He described the monument as a symbol of Raila’s contribution to democracy, constitutionalism and social justice.
Raila’s first death anniversary brought together family members, political leaders and supporters in Bondo to celebrate his life and reflect on his legacy.
President William Ruto, retired president Uhuru Kenyatta skipped the event.
Oburu said his temporary absence would not change the party’s direction, urging members to maintain the discipline and unity that Raila had championed throughout his political career.
