Oburu Oginga in Dubai for 'brief sabbatical', family denies reports of ill-health
Siaya Senator Oginga Oburu during an interview with NTV at Serena Hotel Nairobi on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has taken a brief sabbatical in Dubai following what his family and aides describe as a “hectic and emotionally demanding” political calendar over the past weeks.
Dr Oginga, 82, who has been active in a series of high-profile party, regional and national engagements, confirmed the break on Friday, stressing that he is in good health.
“Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge, and reset,” Dr Oginga wrote on his social media page.
There had been speculation on the veteran politician’s wellbeing.
His son and aide Elijah Oburu dismissed any reports suggesting illness.
“It’s true. He’s not unwell. I wouldn’t mislead you,” Elijah told the Nation, explaining that the Siaya Senator had simply taken time off after demanding weeks of service.
Heavy itinerary
Dr Oginga’s decision to step away briefly follows back-to-back public engagements that saw him crisscross counties and lead key party meetings. The senator was at the heart of preparations and activities during the four-day ODM@20 celebrations held between November 13 and 16 in Mombasa.
The anniversary festivities — marking two decades since the Orange Democratic Movement emerged as one of Kenya’s most dominant political entities — brought together the ODM leadership from across the country.
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga (left) with deputy party leaders, Simba Arati and Godfrey Osotsi during the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa on November 15, 2025.
During the celebrations, the Siaya Senator participated in closed-door strategy sessions, party officials’ meetings, and back-to-back public functions.
Party insiders say the veteran politician had barely rested after returning from Mombasa before he was back on the campaign trail.
Just days after the anniversary, On Wednesday November 19, Dr Oginga was in Kasipul, where he joined ODM campaigns for the party’s candidate Boyd Were ahead of the by-election and held a whirlwind of constituency-level meetings with grassroots leadership.
ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga campaigns for their party candidate in the November 27 Magarini by-election Harrison Kombe, on November 2 2025.
“I believe deeply in the leadership of young people they are the future of the ODM party. That’s why we stood behind Boyd Were in the Kasipul by-elections. Boyd, like every other young person in our party, deserves our support, encouragement, and mentorship,” he said.
He added: “Together, we will continue to nurture our next generation of leaders and grow a stronger, more inclusive ODM. I am a youth leader and Genz at heart! I will support the young people with great potential in leadership. ODM Party, is the only party that offers equal opportunity for the growth of the youth and women in elective offices.”
The senator addressed rallies, met local opinion leaders, and convened late-evening consultative forums on party mobilization and political messaging.
His involvement in Kasipul reinforced ODM’s push to maintain its grip in Nyanza amid heightened national political realignments.
The Kasipul engagements, coupled with the heavy Mombasa programme, are said to have contributed to the senator’s decision to briefly step aside to refresh.
