ODM leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga broke his silence from The Nairobi Hospital on Thursday, October 15, delivering his first public statement since being admitted on October 4.

Dressed in a white hospital robe and surrounded by family, two wives, and medical staff, the 83‑year‑old appeared frail but indicated his recovery was progressing.

In a video captured that evening, Oburu thanked the nurses, doctors and other staff who had attended to him, acknowledging their support throughout his hospitalisation.

The address coincided with two personal milestones: his 83rd birthday and the first anniversary of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death on October 15, 2025.

Oburu’s condition prevented him from attending the October 7 commissioning of the government‑funded mausoleum for his late brother, a ceremony presided over by President William Ruto.

He used the opportunity to apologise for his absence and to acknowledge President Ruto’s role in delivering the mausoleum project.

The precise nature of Oburu’s illness has not been disclosed, and he had returned to Kenya from the United Kingdom on September 25 after spending nearly three weeks receiving medical attention abroad.

Social media speculation, including false reports of his death, had circulated during his hospital stay; Oburu previously addressed those rumors via an official statement on his social media pages.