The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has expressed concern over the spread of false information about the health of Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, urging the government to act against such reports.
Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, Sifuna said alarming claims had circulated online a day earlier, with some posts wrongly stating that the veteran politician had died. He wished his colleague a quick recovery and a return to his duties, but said he had yet to see any step taken to curb the spread of misinformation.
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The reports spread rapidly on social media on Tuesday before ODM officials and the senator’s office moved to dismiss them. ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga said she had visited Oburu that evening and found him recovering steadily and in high spirits.
The Oburu Oginga Secretariat later called the reports fake news, saying the senator was well, safe and in good spirits. It said he had been advised by doctors to rest and avoid heavy physical engagements, but remained mentally alert and involved in key party and national matters.
The rumours followed Oburu’s recent visit to Nairobi Hospital. ODM Director of Communication Philip Etale said the senator went for a check-up and would scale back his political activities temporarily to rest.
The issue stayed in the spotlight on Wednesday when Oburu missed the handover and dedication of the Raila Odinga mausoleum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County. Mama Ida Odinga apologised on his behalf, confirming he was unwell, and asked Kenyans to keep praying for his recovery in the hope that he would soon rejoin the family and the public.
Sifuna’s comments came as senators debated the government’s approach to misinformation and the role of digital platforms in spreading unverified content.
