NAIROBI, Kenya- Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has been hospitalised in Nairobi, with his family considering taking him to the United Kingdom for specialised treatment, according to sources within the party.
Oburu, 82, has reportedly been receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital since Sunday, August 30. The exact reason for his hospitalisation has not been disclosed by his family or ODM officials.
The family is considering flying the veteran politician to the UK as part of plans to seek specialised medical care.
ODM officials visit Oburu in hospital
Several ODM officials visited Oburu at the hospital on Monday, August 31, as news of his hospitalisation circulated among party members.
His hospitalisation comes at a politically significant period for ODM, which is navigating internal disagreements and positioning itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Oburu assumed the leadership of ODM following the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in October 2025. He was subsequently confirmed as the party’s leader in March 2026.
The Siaya senator has remained an important figure in the party’s political affairs and has continued to participate in discussions around ODM’s future and its preparations for the next election.
Family yet to disclose medical condition
The cause of Oburu’s current hospitalisation remains unclear.
The sources who confirmed his admission did not disclose details about his medical condition, while there has been no detailed public statement from the family regarding his health or the proposed UK treatment.
Oburu has previously faced speculation over his health.
In May 2026, he dismissed rumours about his wellbeing after an absence from public events, appearing in a video from Kisumu where he said he was well and playing golf.
ODM officials at the time also rejected claims that he was unwell.
The veteran politician is the eldest son of Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and the elder brother of the late Raila Odinga.
He has represented Siaya County in the Senate since 2022.
