Oburu Odinga Breaks Silence After Two-Week Absence as ODM Dismisses Health Rumours
Senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) figure Oburu Odinga has resurfaced after weeks of speculation over his whereabouts and health, with the party dismissing reports that he had been flown abroad for treatment.
The Siaya Senator appeared in a video shared on social media on Friday, May 8, assuring supporters that he was healthy and spending time in Kisumu.
In the brief clip, Oburu appeared relaxed as he played golf with friends, directly addressing concerns that had intensified online following his absence from several high-profile ODM events.
“Thank you for your concerns about my whereabouts. I am here in Kisumu, up and about, playing golf, and I want to wish all of you a very happy weekend,” Oburu said.
His reappearance comes after mounting speculation triggered by his absence from recent political engagements, including the ODM retreat in Mombasa, where several senior party figures convened to discuss the party’s future strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale dismissed claims circulating on social media and in sections of the local press that Oburu was critically ill or receiving treatment overseas.
Etale insisted the veteran politician remained active within the party and continued to play a central role in ODM’s political direction.
“We have seen some local dailies questioning the whereabouts of our party leader. I have his permission to state that he is okay and fine,” Etale said.
“The reports that he is unwell or missing are not true. He is okay, and tomorrow you will see him at the alma mater of his late father speaking and engaging with the public,” he added.
The ODM official further rejected suggestions that Oburu was incapacitated or unable to continue guiding the party at a critical political moment as internal alignments begin taking shape ahead of the next election cycle.
The developments come amid growing divisions within ODM over the party’s relationship with President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
One faction within the party has backed closer cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under the broad-based government arrangement, a move supported by leaders allied to Oburu.
However, another camp associated with James Orengo and former ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has continued pushing for ODM to maintain an independent political identity and avoid endorsing Ruto’s expected 2027 re-election bid.
The widening divisions have exposed simmering tensions within the opposition party as leaders position themselves for influence ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested election period.
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