Questions over the whereabouts and health of ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga are growing after the veteran politician disappeared from public view, with conflicting reports emerging over whether he is taking a break , hospitalized or recovering from home.
Oburu, 82, was last seen publicly on August 13 when he attended a consultative meeting with Nairobi ODM leaders at the office of the party’s deputy leader. The meeting came as the party stepped up preparations for the 2027 General Election and worked to strengthen its grassroots structures.
On the same day, Oburu spoke of the need to build a stronger party and maintain unity as ODM positioned itself for the next electoral contest.
“Always a pleasure to connect with our dedicated grassroots teams and stakeholders,” he said.
“Together, we reviewed ongoing mobilization strategies, strengthened party unity, and charted a clear path forward.”
He added: “We are building a stronger, more resilient movement focused on service, accountability, and the empowerment of every citizen. The journey ahead is bright, and our commitment remains unshaken.”
Since then, Oburu has largely stayed away from public engagements, a break that has attracted attention because of his prominent role in ODM’s political activities and the talks shaping the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Close aides have described his absence as time taken to rest, seeking to play down growing concern over his whereabouts.
However, reports emerged on Tuesday indicate that the senator has been unwell and receiving medical attention. Other reports indicate that he has been hospitalised in Nairobi since August 30, with his family said to be considering specialised treatment abroad.
The nature of the reported condition has not been disclosed.
Neither Oburu’s family nor ODM has issued an official statement confirming the reports or giving details about his current health.
His absence comes at a crucial point for ODM, which has entered into a political partnership with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Oburu has been central to the party’s political negotiations and positioning following the death of his younger brother, Raila Odinga, after which he took over the leadership of ODM.
He has also been involved in the party’s decision to support Ruto’s re-election bid as ODM works within the new political arrangement.
The senator recently resigned as chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, citing reasons that he said were beyond his control.
Explaining his decision, Oburu said the reasons for his departure were “beyond my own self-control”.
His continued absence has therefore left questions over his health and his next political steps, even as ODM remains involved in major political discussions ahead of the 2027 election.
For now, however, there is no official word from either the senator’s family or the party on where Oburu is or the state of his health.