Oburu confirms UK trip for routine medical check-up

UNITED KINGDOM—ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has confirmed that he is in the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up, a day after the party said he was out of the country on official duties.

In a statement Thursday, Oburu said he travelled to the UK on the advice of his doctors and the party leadership to undergo what he described as a “thorough, routine medical checkup.”

The Siaya Senator said the assessment would give him an opportunity to undergo a comprehensive evaluation while also taking time to rest and rejuvenate.

His disclosure came a day after ODM announced that its Central Committee meeting had been chaired by Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati on his behalf because Oburu was “out of the country on official duties.”

The party’s statement did not identify the country he had travelled to or indicate that the trip was connected to a medical examination.

Oburu, however, has now confirmed both his location and the purpose of the trip, while maintaining that the medical assessment is routine.

He did not disclose details of his health condition or indicate that he was undergoing specialised treatment.

The ODM leader also sought to reassure party members that his temporary absence would not interfere with the running of the party, saying his decision to step back would allow its leadership structures to demonstrate their capacity.

“As I attend to these personal health routine checks, that naturally come with advancing years, I view taking this step back as a deliberate, strategic moment for our movement,” Oburu said.

He expressed confidence in his deputies, Arati and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, together with the National Central Committee and party secretariat, to continue overseeing ODM affairs during his absence.

“As an elder who has walked this long journey with you, I have absolute faith in their collective leadership, discipline, and vision to steer our movement effectively,” he said.

The latest disclosure follows renewed public interest in Oburu’s health after he reported visiting hospital earlier this month.

On September 1, Oburu said he was “very well” following what he described as a brief hospital visit for a general check-up. He said at the time that he had returned home.

The latest trip to the UK therefore marks a further medical evaluation, although Oburu has continued to describe the checks as routine and has not disclosed any diagnosis.

Oburu, who took over the leadership of ODM following the death of his younger brother and former party leader Raila Odinga, urged members and supporters to remain united and focused on the party’s national agenda.