Crowd Demands Answers Over Oburu Oginga’s Absence At Raila Odinga’s First Memorial

Tensions flared at the Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds on Thursday, October 15, 2026, as thousands of supporters gathered to mark the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death. Demands regarding the whereabouts of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga briefly disrupted the proceedings.

Sections of the crowd broke into spontaneous chants questioning why Dr. Oburu was not present at the national commemoration in his home county of Siaya.

“Tunataka Oburu, Oburu ako wapi? Tunataka power, tunataka Oburu,” supporters chanted, demanding an official explanation from party leadership before the formal speeches proceeded.

Restoration of Order and Party Statements

The unrest follows weeks of public speculation regarding Dr. Oburu’s health. Earlier in the week, ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo confirmed during a national radio broadcast that Dr. Oburu was recovering steadily and preparing for hospital discharge following routine medical care.

On Wednesday evening, during a candle-lighting vigil at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati appealed for calm, assuring the public that he had been delegated to deliver the Party Leader’s official address to the gathering.

Dr. Oburu assumed leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement following the passing of his younger brother, Raila Odinga, on October 15, 2025. Thursday’s anniversary event brought together regional political leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Odinga family to honor the legacy of the late opposition leader.v