A calm pause has settled around Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga after what his family describes as an exhausting period, prompting him to take a brief break in Dubai to regain his energy. His sister Ruth Odinga shared the update on Saturday, saying he needed time to rest after weeks of political activity and heavy family responsibilities.
"ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has travelled to Dubai for a 3-day visit to rest following a hectic political period," she posted.
Her update followed an earlier message from Oburu, where he noted that he was grateful for his health and had stepped back for a short sabbatical to refresh his mind and body.
"Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge, and reset," he posted.
Oburu has been deeply involved in national events in recent weeks. He was at the centre of preparations for the farewell of his younger brother, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on October 15.
As part of the funeral committee, he guided the organisation of the ceremonies, including arrangements for Raila’s burial at their family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Siaya.
Away from the funeral duties, Oburu also kept a busy schedule within the Orange Democratic Movement.
He chaired and took part in several party activities, including the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations held in Mombasa, an event that gathered party leaders, delegates, and supporters to mark two decades of the movement’s journey. Oburu played a visible role in the planning and coordination of the milestone ceremony.
He has also taken up a bigger role in the party after being formally endorsed by the ODM National Governing Council as the new party leader.
The endorsement placed him at the head of the party at a time when ODM is working through its succession plans and mobilising ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In recent statements, he has pushed back against claims of internal divisions, saying ODM remains firm and focused. He has insisted that attempts to break the party will not succeed and that preparations for a stronger grassroots network are underway.
Speaking on Wednesday, November 19, Oburu repeated that ODM is not shaping itself to sit in the opposition, emphasising that the goal is to win power.
“Those who want to break ODM, it will never happen in my hands. We shall not allow ODM to be divided. We are going to move forward and make ODM stronger so that when it comes to 2027, we are either going to do it alone or we will go with parties with which we shall negotiate a good deal to work together. That is what our party is all about,” he said.
“There is nothing like forming a party to be in the opposition. I’m not going to lead my party to be in the opposition, I’m going to lead my party to be in the government.”
