Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga is resting on doctors’ orders and recovering steadily, according to his party and his office, a day after false reports of his death spread across social media.

His absence from the handover and dedication of the Raila Odinga mausoleum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo on Wednesday kept the matter in public focus.

Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, apologised on his behalf and confirmed that he was unwell.

“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,” she said.

She asked Kenyans to keep praying for his recovery and said she hoped he would soon be able to join the family and the public.

The reassurance followed a tense Tuesday. ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga said that evening that she had visited the senator and found him in good spirits.

Recovering steadily

“My Party Leader 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,” she said.

The Oburu Oginga Secretariat later dismissed the death reports as fake news, saying the senator was “well, safe, and in good spirits.”

It said he had been told by doctors to take forced rest and limit heavy physical engagements, but remained mentally alert and involved in key party and national matters.

ODM Director of Communication Philip Etale had earlier said Oburu visited Nairobi Hospital for a check-up and would temporarily reduce his political engagements.

The rumours reached the Senate on Wednesday, where Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said the episode showed why the government must act against misinformation.

“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,” he said. He added that he had not seen any action taken to stop the spread of such falsehoods.