Raila Odinga Jnr conveys Oburu’s apology for missing mausoleum event

Raila Odinga Junior has conveyed an apology from Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga for his absence from the handover and dedication ceremony of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s mausoleum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.

Speaking during the ceremony, Raila Junior said Oburu had sent his greetings and appreciation to those who attended the event.

Raila Junior said the ceremony marked an important milestone in a project that was conceived to establish a dignified resting place and lasting monument for Raila Odinga.

“Allow me first to convey apologies of Dr Oburu Oginga Odinga, who is unable to be with us today. He sends his greetings and deep appreciation to everyone who's gathered here,” he said.

“Today marks an important milestone in a journey that began with a vision to establish a dignified resting place and lasting monument for Honourable Baba, our father, our leader, our teacher, and great son of Kenya and Africa.”

Junior said the mausoleum was not simply intended as a building but as a place where future generations would remember and honour Raila’s life and contribution to Kenya and Africa.

“From inception, this project, the idea was not merely to construct a building, it was to create a place where generations would come and pay homage to Baba, remember Baba's life, his sacrifices, his principles, and his contribution to our nation,” he said.

Raila Junior said the project was also intended to preserve the legacy of the former Prime Minister, whom he described as a champion of democracy, justice, equality and dignity.

He expressed gratitude to President William Ruto and the Government of Kenya for their role in the project.

On behalf of the family, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency, the President, William Ruto, and the Government of Kenya,” he said.

On Monday, the office of ODM party leader Oburu dismissed reports circulating on social media about his health, saying the Siaya Senator is well, safe and in good spirits.

In an official communiqué issued Tuesday, the Oburu Secretariat described the reports as "malicious, unfounded fake news and propaganda" and urged the public to rely on official communication about his health.

The office said Oburu remained mentally alert and engaged in party and national matters despite being under doctors' instructions to rest and limit heavy physical engagements.

"We wish to assure the general public, members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the people of Siaya County, and the entire nation that Oburu Oginga is well, safe, and in good spirits," the statement said.

According to the secretariat, Oburu was preparing his official speech for the handover ceremony of the late Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang'o ka Jaramogi when reports about his health were being circulated online.

The office said the senator was observing "strict directives from his doctors" to take forced rest and reduce heavy physical engagements