Oburu breaks silence on Raila's health
Politics
By
Isaiah Gwengi
| Oct 11, 2025
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has confirmed that ODM party leader Raila Odinga is recuperating in India after being indisposed.
Oburu, who is Odinga's elder brother and the family's spokesman, revealed that Mr Odinga traveled abroad for a medical check-up and was recovering.
"Mr Odinga, just like any other human being, was indisposed a few days ago but he is doing fine. He went for a check-up in India and is now recuperating,” said Oburu.
The lawmaker's statement follows a week of mixed messages from members of the Odinga family and close allies, which had fuelled speculation about the former Premier's wellbeing.
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A few days ago, Mr Odinga's wife, Ida dismissed claims of illness, insisting that her husband had taken a sabbatical from active politics to rest.
“As someone who lives with him, I know his health better than anyone. He simply took a short break from public life,” said Ida.
This followed a statement from Mr Odinga’s spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, who also termed reports of illness as falsehoods peddled by political adversaries.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi urged Kenyans to pray for Mr Odinga during a fundraiser in Ugunja, remarks that reignited public debate about his health and whereabouts.
The conflicting accounts have stirred unease within ODM, where Mr Odinga remains the party’s unifying figure despite his reduced public activity in recent weeks.
However, Oburu, who spoke in Ugunja, said the family decided to clarify the matter after widespread speculation on social media.
“Raila is not the president whose health must be publicly declared. But since a lot has been said, we found it necessary to clear the air,” he explained.
He assured supporters that the ODM leader’s condition was not life-threatening and that he would be returning home soon.