Murathe’s post sparks Oburu health rumours. The former Jubilee vice-chair David Murathe dropped a cryptic Facebook message Sunday night asking, “WILL IT BE A STATE FUNERAL?” and later posted “Mungu tuhurumie sasa wana wako” beneath a photo of ODM heavyweight Dr Oburu Oginga eating a cake given by President William Ruto, instantly sending political circles into frantic speculation about the elder Odinga’s condition.
Within minutes the post exploded across WhatsApp groups and X, with thousands interpreting the capital-letter question as a thinly veiled hint that the 83-year-old former Bondo MP and Raila Odinga’s elder brother might be gravely ill.
The former Jubilee strongman later posted, “Double tragedy, Mungu tuhurie na utusamehe sasa!!” sending mixed context with his fans.
However, sources claim that Oburu flew to the UAE for vacation after the tough and heartbreaking moments last month. Sources say, “He is alive and well. Rumours of his death are greatly exaggerated.”
“Oburu is not just Raila’s brother; he is the living link to Jaramogi’s legacy. Any whisper about his health triggers succession tremors in Nyanza and beyond.”
Murathe and Oburu have history. The Jubilee man was once a fierce critic of the Odinga family during the NASA days, famously calling Raila “a project” in 2017.
Their paths crossed again in the 2022 handshake era, but bad blood reportedly resurfaced when Jubilee fractured and Murathe backed Uhuru’s Azimio leanings over Ruto.
Earlier, a report stated that Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga embarked on a brief sojourn to Dubai for a three-day respite after a demanding period filled with political and personal commitments.
The declaration was conveyed by his sister, Ruth Odinga, through a social media post on Saturday, in which she emphasised the necessity for Oburu to pause following what she characterised as a “hectic and emotionally taxing” interval.
“ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has embarked on a three-day journey to Dubai for a period of respite after an intense political season,” she posted.
Her comments followed closely after he conveyed his appreciation for his health, indicating that he was taking a short respite to rest, contemplate, and revitalise.
Experiencing a profound sense of appreciation for robust health and elevated spirits. He shared a day prior that he is embarking on a brief sabbatical to reflect, rejuvenate, and recalibrate.
Oburu has recently positioned himself at the centre of noteworthy national occurrences.
He took a prominent position in organising the funeral arrangements for his younger brother, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who departed this life on October 15.
In his capacity as a pivotal member of the funeral committee, Oburu meticulously managed both logistical and ceremonial arrangements, which encompassed the selection of Raila’s final resting place at their ancestral home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Siaya County.
In the aftermath of the funeral, Oburu has continued to engage profoundly with the Orange Democratic Movement.
He presided over and engaged in a variety of party activities, notably the significant ODM@20 anniversary celebrations that took place in Mombasa earlier this month.
The gathering convened esteemed party members, delegates, and supporters to commemorate the party’s twenty-year legacy, with Oburu leading the efforts in planning and coordination.
Notably, Oburu received formal endorsement from the ODM National Governing Council as the new party leader—an accolade that solidifies his enduring presence in Kenya’s political arena.
The endorsement arrived during a period when the party is carefully managing internal succession strategies and seeking to invigorate its support base in anticipation of the 2027 General Election.
He has previously rejected efforts to fragment the organisation, asserting that the party remains cohesive and concentrated in anticipation of the 2027 General Election.
Oburu asserted that no factional influence would be permitted to undermine the integrity of the party, emphasising that ODM is focused on fortifying its grassroots and national frameworks.
During his address on Wednesday, November 19, Oburu refuted assertions that ODM was preparing to stay in the opposition, emphasising that the party is focused on attaining power.
“Those who aspire to dismantle ODM will find it an impossible endeavour under my stewardship.” We will ensure that ODM remains united. We shall advance and fortify ODM, ensuring that by 2027, we are prepared to either proceed independently or engage in negotiations with parties to establish a mutually beneficial collaboration. That encapsulates the essence of our party,” stated the party leader.
“There is no experience quite like the formation of a party to assume the role of opposition. I shall not guide my party towards a position of opposition; rather, I will steer my party towards governance.”
