Where Is Oburu Oginga? ODM Leader Misses Key Political Gatherings

ODM leader Dr Oburu Oginga has missed several recent party events, prompting questions about his health and the party’s leadership plans.

Dr Oginga, 82, has not appeared in public since attending the ODM Youth League Convention in Nairobi on 20 April. Since then, he has been absent from several key engagements, including a youth convention in Kilifi, the opening of the Raila Odinga Hospital in Mombasa and Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga.

His absence was again noted during the party’s retreat in Mombasa, where Kisii Governor Simba Arati read a speech on his behalf. In the statement, Dr Oginga apologised for missing the event, citing “unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances” without providing further details.

Party officials later said doctors had advised him to take bed rest. ODM Minority Leader Junet Mohammed dismissed concerns about his condition, saying Dr Oginga was in good health and expected to resume official duties soon. 

He is scheduled to chair the party’s Central Management Committee meeting next week. Dr Oginga assumed a more prominent leadership role within ODM following the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. 

Since then, he has overseen efforts to manage divisions within the party, including competing factions such as Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground, while also handling ODM’s relationship with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). His recent absence has renewed concerns about the demands of the role, particularly given his age and the pace of political activity. 

Last year, Dr Oginga took a sabbatical in Dubai after family members said he needed a break from an intense political schedule. Senior ODM officials, including Gladys Wanga and Junet Mohammed, have continued to represent the party at public events during his absence. 

However, questions remain over ODM’s leadership transition and long-term succession planning. Party officials maintain that Dr Oginga is recovering and expected to return to active political duties soon.