ODM and the family of party leader Oburu Odinga have warned the public against spreading fake news about his health, saying he is recuperating after weeks of treatment in London and Kenya.
The family of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga, together with the party, has issued a fresh warning to the public against spreading fake news about his health.
A Statement from ODM
In a statement on Tuesday, October 13, ODM Director of Communications Phillip Etale said Oburu's family was devastated by the continued spread of rumours about his health. According to Etale, the party and its leader were also disturbed by the reports.
"Fellow Kenyans, the family of the ODM Party Leader Sen. (Dr) Oburu Oginga is devastated by the continued spreading of FAKE news relating to his health," Etale stated.
The party reminded the public that while the law guarantees freedom of expression, the right should be exercised responsibly.
"Whereas we enjoy the freedoms that give us the latitude to express ourselves freely, as citizens of Kenya, we must do it responsibly and with respect for other people," he added.
Rest and Recovery
The warning comes after weeks of rumours on social media alleging that Oburu had died. The party did not say what he was treated for, but Etale maintained that the party leader is resting after several weeks of treatment in London and in Kenya, before he resumes active public life.
"As he takes time to rest and recuperates after several weeks of treatment both abroad and locally, he wishes that the section of Kenyans who are happily spreading the news will give him time to recover fully, regain his health and energy and then return to active life soon," the party said.
Why the Rumours Grew
Oburu has missed several public meetings, which fuelled questions over his health and, in some quarters, claims that the veteran politician had died. Among the gatherings he missed was the handover of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum at his father's home in Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 7.
At that ceremony, Oburu confirmed through a statement read by his son Jaoko Oburu that he was taking a forced rest and would resume active life after discussions with his doctors.
After the rumours went viral last week, the Oburu Odinga Secretariat issued a statement dismissing the reports and saying the Siaya Senator was resting on his doctors' advice.
"We wish to assure the general public, members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the people of Siaya County, and the entire nation that Dr. Oburu Oginga is well, safe, and in good spirits," the secretariat said.