Oburu absent at Raila mausoleum dedication amid health speculation
Oburu skips Raila mausoleum dedication amid health speculation
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga was notably absent as President William Ruto and other leaders gathered in Bondo, Siaya County, for the dedication of the late Raila Odinga’s mausoleum.
The ceremony was held at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, the Odinga family’s ancestral home where Raila was laid to rest alongside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Oburu’s absence was particularly noticeable given his position in ODM and his close ties to the late former prime minister’s family.
Despite Oburu’s absence, his son Jaoko Oburu was present at the ceremony alongside other members of the Odinga family and invited leaders.
President Ruto was joined by Raila’s immediate family, including his widow Ida Odinga and their children, Raila Odinga Junior and Winnie Odinga.
Also present were Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who also serves as ODM national chairperson.
Armed forces mounted a guard of honour before the national anthem was performed, with Ruto subsequently leading the dedication ceremony.
The president also presented the Odinga family with public records documenting the public service of Jaramogi and Raila.
The state-of-the-art mausoleum has been constructed over Raila’s grave and connected to the resting place of his father, Jaramogi.
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The facility is designed to preserve the legacy of the two prominent political figures, whose contributions to Kenya’s political history span several decades.
The development comes shortly after widespread claims circulated on social media on Tuesday evening alleging that Oburu had died, with the reports quickly generating concern among his supporters and political circles.
His office, however, dismissed the claims as false and malicious propaganda, insisting that the ODM leader was alive and safe.
The secretariat explained that Oburu had been placed on rest on his doctors’ advice but remained engaged in matters concerning the party and the country.
It also condemned those behind the reports and warned that legal action could be taken against individuals found spreading misinformation about his health and wellbeing.
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