Oburu confirms UK medical trip, says ODM can run without him

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has confirmed that he travelled to the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up, assuring party members that the political outfit has sufficiently strong structures to continue operating in his absence.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Oburu said he travelled to the UK on the advice of his doctors and the party leadership for a comprehensive assessment of his health.

He said the visit would also give him an opportunity to take a period of rest and recuperation as he undergoes the routine medical checks.

Oburu himself sought to put his latest medical trip in the context of his advancing age, while insisting that his temporary absence should not affect the running of ODM.

"As I attend to these personal health routine checks, that naturally come with advancing years, I view taking this step back as a deliberate, strategic moment for our movement," he said.

He described his absence as an opportunity to test the party's institutional strength following the death of his younger brother and longtime ODM leader, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in October 2025.

"This is a time of transition, where the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is being tested on its readiness and preparedness on institutionalism," he stated.

“I welcome this test. A true voice of the people and a mature political movement must be anchored upon strong, resilient structures that outlast us all.”

The ODM leader said the party's ability to function without his direct involvement was evidence of the institutional maturity it had developed over the years.

"Our party possesses the internal mechanisms, the democratic maturity, and the systems to handle day to day activities seamlessly," Oburu said.

He added that his temporary withdrawal from active party operations was intended to ensure that "our national operations continue without a moment's interruption."

Oburu specifically placed responsibility for the party's day-to-day operations in the hands of his two deputies, Governor Paul Simba Arati of Kisii and Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir of Mombasa.

"The party has able stewards, of our Deputy Party Leaders, H.E. Paul Simba Arati (Governor, Kisii County) and H.E. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir (Governor, Mombasa County) working hand in hand with our highly capable National Central Committee and secretariat," he said.

The ODM leader expressed confidence in the two deputy party leaders and the party's national organs to keep the movement running while he concentrates on his health.

"As an elder who has walked this long journey with you, I have absolute faith in their collective leadership, discipline, and vision to steer our movement effectively," he said.

The message echoes sentiments Oburu expressed earlier in the year when he sought to reassure Kenyans that ODM did not revolve around one individual.

In May, amid questions over his prolonged absence from public engagements, Oburu said the party was structured to function independently and that he deliberately allowed other leaders to take greater responsibility.

Oburu's latest trip comes after a series of reports concerning his health.

On September 1, the ODM leader dismissed reports that he had been readmitted to Nairobi Hospital, saying he had only briefly visited the facility for a general check-up before returning home.

"I had only briefly visited the hospital for a general check-up with my doctors and have since returned home," he said at the time.

He further sought to discourage alarm over his medical attention, saying: "Being sick is a normal human experience and should not alarm anyone. The day I am truly sick, I will inform you all, for I am a very transparent person."

Oburu subsequently continued receiving political visitors at his Nairobi residence. On September 3, he hosted a delegation from the Senate Energy Committee led by Senator William Kisang, alongside Vice-Chairperson Beatrice Ogolla and former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo.

The UK trip now provides a clearer explanation for his continued absence from the political limelight.

ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale had earlier also confirmed Oburu's latest trip, saying the party leader was in the UK for a routine check-up and was "doing fine," adding that he is expected back in Kenya on Saturday.