Reports circulating on social media claiming that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader and Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga has died have been dismissed by his party and senior political officials.
The claims circulated online on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, prompting concern among supporters and members of the public. However, the Office of the ODM Party Leader issued an official statement rejecting the reports as false and assuring the public that Oburu is alive, safe and in good spirits.
The statement said Oburu was continuing to follow his doctors’ instructions to rest and limit strenuous physical activity while remaining mentally alert and engaged with important party and national matters. His office also said he was preparing his speech for the handover ceremony of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi when the death claims were circulating.
ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga provided a further update Tuesday evening after visiting Oburu. She said he was recovering steadily and was in high spirits, urging Kenyans to continue praying for his full recovery.
ODM Communications Director Philip Etale had also earlier rejected reports suggesting that Oburu had been rushed to hospital. He said the senator had gone to Nairobi Hospital for a routine medical check-up and that there was no immediate cause for alarm.
Oburu Odinga Death Rumours
The latest death claims appear to have originated from social-media posts rather than an official announcement from Oburu’s family, ODM or another authoritative source.
His office condemned the circulation of what it described as malicious and unfounded information and urged the public and media to verify reports through official channels before sharing them. The secretariat also said it was consulting party leadership regarding possible legal action over the misinformation.
Therefore, Oburu Odinga should not be reported as deceased. The latest verified information indicates that he is alive and recovering while under medical guidance.
