By Mandere Onyinkwa
The family of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has expressed distress over the circulation of unverified reports about his health, appealing to Kenyans to allow him time to recover.
In a statement issued by ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale, the family said the reports had caused unnecessary anguish as the Siaya Senator recuperates following weeks of medical treatment both abroad and in Kenya.
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“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 said.
He acknowledged Kenyans’ constitutional right to freedom of expression but urged the public to exercise it responsibly and respect other people’s dignity and privacy.
“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 said.
Etale added that Oburu was equally disturbed by the reports and had appealed to those circulating them to give him time to recover fully before resuming his public engagements.
The statement did not provide further details about the senator’s medical condition, but said he was resting and recuperating after receiving treatment locally and abroad.
It comes amid renewed speculation about the health of the ODM leader, who has temporarily reduced his public engagements on medical advice.
His office previously dismissed reports claiming he had died, describing them as false and urging the public to rely on official communication.
Etale urged Kenyans to refrain from sharing information that has not been verified, particularly when it concerns another person’s health.
“Let us refrain from spreading false information aimed at causing agony and pain to others,” he said.
The party has appealed for restraint as he continues his recovery.
