Oburu Odinga to leave hospital soon, ODM SG Omanyo assures [Photo/Courtesy]
ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo has dismissed social media claims that party leader Oburu Odinga is dead, saying the veteran politician is recovering in hospital and is expected to be discharged soon.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Standard Digital, Omanyo said Oburu was doing well and could be discharged either today or tomorrow.
Oburu has been receiving treatment in hospital, with his absence from the commissioning of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County, triggering speculation about his health.
His absence from the high-profile family ceremony, attended by political leaders and other dignitaries honouring the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, fuelled online discussions about his whereabouts. Subsequently, claims that Oburu had died began circulating on social media.
However, Omanyo dismissed the reports as false, accusing some social media users of spreading misinformation to attract views and engagement.
“He is fine. It is unfortunate, what I have seen on social media. Those people seeking to have more likes or views will be disappointed because he is up, he is well. In fact, he will be headed home either today or tomorrow,” Omanyo said.
The ODM Secretary General acknowledged that health challenges could affect anyone at any time, noting that Oburu’s position as party leader had amplified public attention surrounding his condition.
“Everybody, including you and me, our health is not static. You can be under the weather anytime. It is just that he is a party leader and it makes breaking news, but anybody can go under the weather,” she added.
Omanyo also criticised those circulating the death claims, saying discussions about a person’s health should be handled responsibly rather than used to generate online traffic.
Reflecting on the inevitability of death, she said nobody wished for anyone to die prematurely and that the timing of a person’s death was not for social media commentators to determine.
“The death they are talking about does not choose a child or an old person. It comes to all of us. We are not praying for anybody to die prematurely. His time will come and we will accept it because everybody’s time will come, and we will accept it because that is God’s choice, not social media bloggers’ choice,” Omanyo said.