Since Raila’s death, Oburu has been deeply involved in closed-door consultations, party restructuring sessions, and strategic meetings with grassroots and national officials. His presence has been particularly pivotal as ODM navigates a delicate transition phase after losing its long-time party leader.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga is in good health, his family has assured, moving to dispel growing public concerns over his well-being.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, his son Jaoko Oburu Odinga clarified that the Senator had taken a short personal break in Dubai after what he described as an emotionally and physically overwhelming period following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga mid last month.
According to the family, Oburu has barely had time to mourn his younger brother, having been thrust into a flurry of demanding responsibilities almost immediately after Raila’s passing. During this period, the veteran politician was involved in a series of key activities, among them ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations, high-level consultative meetings, and public engagements across different counties.
“There have been speculations about the health of Oburu Oginga. We have had many functions to mourn Baba (Raila). There was also ODM at 20. The party leader has not had time to rest and even mourn his own brother. Last week he took his break and went to Dubai. He will be back tomorrow (Friday),” Jaoko stated.
Jaoko further revealed that the family has endured multiple personal losses in recent weeks. “Also yesterday we lost our auntie. We are sitting as a family to lay her to rest. We lost Baba on the 15th, and since then we have had friends coming to mourn with us. It has been a beehive of activity—very overwhelming. We have since sat down as a family and resolved different party opinions.”
The family’s statement aimed to silence speculation surrounding Oburu’s health after reports surfaced of his quiet trip to Dubai. His absence, coupled with ODM’s heightened political activities, had sparked rumours that the long-serving politician was unwell.
How Oburu Became ODM Party Leader
Following Raila Odinga’s passing, ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) convened a series of emergency meetings to chart the party’s future. Given Raila’s towering political stature and the need for continuity during a sensitive moment, the NEC resolved to appoint an interim leader who could command respect, maintain unity, and guide ongoing processes, including by-elections and party reorganization.
Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, emerged as the consensus choice due to his deep historical ties to the party, his seniority, and his long record of political experience. As one of ODM’s founding members and a figure who has been central to Luo Nyanza’s political landscape for decades, Oburu was seen as a stabilizing force.
The decision was reached unanimously, with NEC members emphasizing the need for a leader who could uphold Raila’s legacy while ensuring the party remained cohesive during the transition. His appointment was also influenced by his close involvement in ODM’s strategic affairs and his role as a trusted adviser in Raila’s political journey.
Despite stepping into the role at a challenging time, Oburu has actively taken up leadership duties. After ODM’s anniversary celebrations, he visited Kasipul to campaign for the party’s candidate Boyd Were ahead of the by-elections. He has attended rallies, met regional leaders, and chaired multiple meetings aimed at strengthening the party’s structures ahead of upcoming political events.
The family maintains that Oburu’s brief time away was necessary to allow him to recuperate before resuming his demanding responsibilities. They called on the public to ignore misinformation and allow him the space to continue guiding the party through a period of mourning and transition.