ODM leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has confirmed that he is in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up, assuring party members that he is well and that the party will continue operating in his absence.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 10, Oburu said he travelled to the UK on the advice of his doctors and ODM leadership for a comprehensive medical assessment as well as a period of rest.
“I am currently in the United Kingdom (UK) to undergo a thorough, routine medical checkup,” Oburu said, adding that the trip was intended to allow him to rest and rejuvenate.
The clarification follows renewed public interest in his health and whereabouts after he stayed away from some recent political activities.
Earlier in September, Oburu had also dismissed reports that he had been readmitted to hospital, saying he had only made a brief visit for a general check-up before returning home.
Oburu says ODM can operate without him
While away, Oburu said his absence should not disrupt the party’s operations.
Instead, he described the period as an opportunity to demonstrate whether ODM’s structures can function effectively without relying entirely on the party leader.
“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 added that the party was undergoing a period of transition and that its institutional strength was being tested.
“This is a time of transition, where the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is being tested on its readiness and preparedness on institutionalism. I welcome this test,” he said.
Oburu said a strong political movement should have structures capable of surviving changes in individual leadership.
“A true voice of the people and a mature political movement must be anchored upon strong, resilient structures that outlast us all,” he added.
Arati and Nassir to steer party affairs
Oburu identified ODM Deputy Party Leaders Paul Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir as among the senior officials expected to help oversee party affairs while he is away.
Arati is the Governor of Kisii County, while Nassir is the Governor of Mombasa County.
“The party has able stewards, our Deputy Party Leaders, H.E. Paul Simba Arati and H.E. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, working hand in hand with our highly capable National Central Committee and secretariat,” Oburu said.
He expressed confidence that the two leaders, together with the party’s national structures, would maintain continuity.
“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 Registrar of Political Parties’ records list Oburu as ODM party leader, with Arati and Nassir serving as deputy party leaders responsible for operations and strategy respectively.
Oburu urges ODM to remain united
The ODM leader also appealed to party officials and supporters to cooperate with those handling its affairs during his absence.
“I urge all party members, officials, and the millions of Kenyans who look to us for leadership to accord them the utmost cooperation, stay unified, and remain focused on our shared national goals,” he said.
His latest statement comes as ODM navigates a major political transition following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, Oburu’s absence comes at a sensitive time as the party works to rebuild its grassroots support, strengthen its structures and position itself for potential political alliances.
For now, however, Oburu’s message is that his UK trip is for routine medical assessment and rest, while the party’s day-to-day leadership remains in the hands of its established structures.
