ODM Leader Oburu Oginga Dismisses Health Concerns, Confirms Friday Return to Kenya

By : Mweru Mbugua 

ODM leader Senator Oburu Oginga has reassured Kenyans about his health and confirmed his return to the country on Friday after a short sabbatical in Dubai

The 82-year-old senator had been away from public view for nearly a week, prompting speculation about his wellbeing

However, Victor Marende, a long-time ally of Raila Odinga, confirmed that Oburu is “upbeat, very active, and not sick”

“I have just spoken to the party leader Senator Oburu Oginga on phone and he is upbeat and very active

He is not sick. He will be back in the country on Friday,” Marende wrote on Facebook

Oburu’s brief break comes after an emotionally taxing period in his political and personal life, including the recent burial of his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

Before the sabbatical, he had been actively engaged in ODM activities, including the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, multiple campaign rallies, and consultative forums with grassroots leaders

Oburu’s son, Jaoko Oburu, explained that the Dubai trip was a family decision aimed at giving the senator time to rest and rejuvenate

“The break was intended for relaxation and light exercise, not for medical reasons,” he said, adding that Oburu would return refreshed and ready to continue his political duties

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The sabbatical coincided with the recent death of Beryl Achieng Odinga, Oburu’s sister, who passed away while receiving treatment at Nairobi West Hospital

The loss comes just weeks after the family laid Raila Odinga to rest, compounding the family’s grief

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga expressed the family’s sorrow in an online announcement, describing the loss as deeply painful

Oburu Oginga is expected to resume his political engagements upon his return to Kenya on Friday, November 28