NAIROBI, Kenya – Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has travelled to Dubai for a three-day sabbatical following weeks of emotionally taxing family events and packed political engagements.
Oburu has been in the national spotlight since the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, on October 15, 2025.
He played a central role in organising and coordinating the state funeral, frequently shuttling between Bondo and Nairobi before Raila’s burial on October 19 at Opoda Farm.
Barely weeks after the funeral, Oburu was thrust back into party activities. On October 16, a day after Raila’s death, he was appointed interim ODM party leader—a position later confirmed by the party’s top organs.
Earlier this month, he presided over the ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa and joined campaign trails for ODM candidates ahead of the November 27 by-elections.
The senator confirmed on Friday night, November 21, that he had taken time off to rest after “a hectic period” that had kept him constantly on the move.
“Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge, and reset,” he posted on social media, adding that he was in Dubai on a planned break.
Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge, and reset.
His sister, Ruth Odinga, affirmed that the trip had been arranged earlier to give him space to recover from weeks marked by both personal loss and the demands of political leadership.
Oburu is expected to return to the country early next week ahead of final preparations for the by-elections, where he has been leading ODM’s mobilisation efforts.
