Siaya Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has been admitted to hospital and is expected to be flown out of the country.
According to the Daily Nation, on September 1, only his two spouses and children were allowed to visit him, with people familiar with the matter confirming the restrictions.
Several Members of Parliament who sought to visit Oburu have reportedly been turned away after being informed that he was not at the facility.
The reasons for his hospitalization and his current health condition have not been publicly disclosed.
His Last Public Appearance
A spot check by The Kenya Times showed that Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga was last seen in public on Saturday, August 29, when he played golf.
Photos he shared online from the outing showed him appearing in good spirits.
“Felt incredible hitting the links today and walking 9 solid holes of golf with over 75. The game keeps the mind sharp and the spirit young proof that you never stop challenging yourself on the course.
What a fantastic day out on the green!” Oburu wrote.
Oburu Oginga Health Status
The senator’s health has previously attracted public speculation. In May, he dismissed reports that he was unwell following a period away from public engagements.
Oburu said his absence from the public eye was largely linked to his involvement in ODM’s internal affairs, where he had been engaged in consultations and coordinating party activities.
He said he had remained actively involved in guiding the party despite keeping a lower public profile.
“I was not abducted. I’m not sick. I was also busy giving directions here and there to our party, because our party was not upset,” he said.
Oburu further maintained that ODM remained functional and united despite the wider political challenges confronting opposition parties.
Additionally, ODM communication strategist Philip Etale had also sought to reassure the public about Oburu Oginga’s wellbeing, saying the party leader was expected to make a public appearance at an event commemorating his late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Etale said Oburu was in good health and would attend the event to speak about the legacy of his late father, amid growing public interest in his reduced public appearances.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai had previously raised concerns about the demands placed on Oburu Oginga as ODM party leader, calling on the party to consider appointing a stand-in leader.
On May 8, 2026, Alai argued that the responsibilities of party leadership, including frequent travel to attend political engagements, were taking a toll on the veteran politician’s well-being.
He urged ODM to begin the process of identifying a temporary replacement who could oversee party activities whenever Oburu was unable to personally take charge.
Alai also expressed concern over Oburu’s frequent use of helicopters to travel for party engagements, arguing that the demanding schedule was placing unnecessary strain on the 83-year-old politician.
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