NAIROBI, Kenya — Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga has travelled to Dubai for what his family and aides describe as a “short sabbatical,” firmly denying widespread speculation that the veteran politician is unwell.
The 82-year-old ODM Party leader is taking time off to “recollect, recharge, and reset” following an exceptionally intensive period of national and regional political engagements, according to official statements.
Denial of ill-health
Rumours regarding the Senator’s well-being had been circulating, prompting his family to issue a clear denial. His son and aide, Elijah Oburu, confirmed that the break was planned and not a medical necessity.
“It’s true. He’s not unwell. I wouldn’t mislead you,” Elijah told the press, explaining that the Siaya Senator had simply taken time off after demanding weeks of service.
Dr. Oginga himself took to social media on Friday, November 21, 2025, to reassure the public about his condition and the purpose of his trip:
“Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge, and reset.”
Heavy political itinerary
The decision to step away comes after a prolonged and arduous political schedule that saw the Senator crisscrossing the country for party and regional events.
Dr. Oginga was central to the recent ODM@20 celebrations—a four-day anniversary marking two decades of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)—held in Mombasa between November 13 and 16, 2025. This event required his involvement in numerous public functions, closed-door strategy sessions, and party officials’ meetings.
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Immediately following the anniversary, the veteran politician was back on the campaign trail. He was heavily involved in constituency-level meetings and a whirlwind campaign tour for the ODM candidate in the Kasipul by-election on Wednesday, November 19.
His rigorous itinerary, which involved addressing rallies, meeting local opinion leaders, and convening late-evening consultative forums, ultimately led to the decision to take a brief pause to refresh and prepare for future political activities.
