NAIROBI, Kenya — Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has travelled to the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up, days after he was briefly admitted to Nairobi Hospital.
A source familiar with the matter confirmed that the Siaya Senator travelled to the UK for the scheduled medical review and is in good spirits.
The source said Oburu is expected to return to Kenya on Saturday, September 12, after completing the check-up.
His trip comes days after ODM confirmed that its party leader was out of the country but said he was away on official duties without disclosing further details.
ODM confirms Oburu was out of the country
The party disclosed Oburu’s absence on Wednesday, September 9, after its Central Committee held a meeting chaired by Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati on his behalf.
In a statement, ODM said the committee met to discuss several party and national issues.
“The Central Committee of the party this morning held a meeting to deliberate on several issues, both party-based and national,” ODM said.
The party said the meeting considered proposals aimed at strengthening ODM’s position on national unity and cooperation with other parties within the Broad-Based Government.
At the time, ODM did not disclose that Oburu was travelling to the UK for a medical review.
Oburu had earlier dismissed health concerns
The latest trip comes eight days after Oburu was briefly admitted to Nairobi Hospital on September 1, prompting public concern over his health.
Following reports of his hospitalisation, the Siaya Senator said he had visited the facility for a general medical check-up and had not suffered any serious illness.
“Thank you for your concerns. I have read the nation’s digital news and wish to state that I am very well. I had only briefly visited the hospital for a general checkup with my doctors and have since returned home,” Oburu said.
He also urged Kenyans not to be alarmed by routine health concerns, saying he would inform the public if he became seriously ill.
“Being sick is a normal human experience and should not alarm anyone. The day I am truly sick, I will inform you all, for I am a very transparent person. Thanks for your concerns,” he added.
His latest medical review in the UK follows that earlier hospital visit.
Oburu expected back on September 12
According to the source familiar with the matter, Oburu’s UK trip is for a scheduled medical check-up and he remains in good spirits.
He is expected to return to Kenya on September 12.
The trip comes at a politically significant period for ODM as the party continues internal consultations over its political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
ODM continues collaboration with Ruto
Oburu’s medical trip comes as ODM continues to deliberate on its relationship with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under the Broad-Based Government arrangement.
The party has been engaged in discussions over national unity, cooperation with other political parties and its position ahead of the 2027 election.
Oburu assumed the leadership of ODM following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in October 2025.
Since taking over the party leadership, he has led ODM in supporting Ruto’s bid for re-election in 2027.
