Oburu Odinga Flies Out of Country After Announcing Sabbatical

Siaya Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Odinga has announced that he is taking a short sabbatical.

In a statement on November 21, Oburu said the break will allow him to recollect, reset, and recharge, adding that he is in good health and high spirits.

“Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge, and reset,” he said in a post.

His sister, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, confirmed that Oburu will travel to Dubai for a three-day visit to rest after a hectic political period.

Oburu was at the center of the funeral arrangements for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on October 15.

He sat on the committee that led preparations for the state funeral and oversaw arrangements for Raila’s final resting place at their ancestral home, Kang’o ka Jaramogi, in Siaya County. Oburu has also been involved in several meetings of the ODM Party, including the recently held ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa. 

Oburu Political Woes

On October 16, Oburu Odinga was officially appointed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as the Acting Party Leader, following the death of the former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.

However, his appointment has faced resistance, with some ODM leaders openly questioning the decision.

Recently, Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi said he believes Oburu Odinga was wrongfully appointed, terming the move premature and disrespectful to the legacy of the late Raila Odinga.

Amisi argued that the timing was insensitive, noting that the party should have waited until after mourning Raila.

“Giving Oburu that position while burying Baba was wrong timing. It could have been endorsed at any other time, but why the hurry? Now you see the repercussions. We were supposed to do ODM at 20, but Baba has left us. People are angry out there,” he said.

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has also signaled discomfort with the decision, urging the party to convene an NDC to allow members to decide the party’s direction. 

Also Read: Blow to Oburu as Section of ODM Members Begin Process to Remove Him

At the same time, a life member of the ODM party submitted a petition to the party’s National Elections Board (NEB), demanding the immediate resignation of Acting party leader Oburu Odinga.

The petition, dated November 18, alleged that Oburu Odinga and a select group of leaders have violated ODM’s constitution, undermining internal democracy, transparency, and members’ rights.

The petition also called for an urgent National Delegates Convention (NDC) to restore legitimacy to party structures and for full recognition of life members and all ODM members in decision-making processes.

Also Read: Oburu Under Fire for Attending Wedding Soon After Raila Burial

Oburu Odinga Fears

Oburu has publicly revealed that he feared a fallout within his family’s political dynasty following the death of his brother.

In an interview with the Daily Nation on Thursday, November 20, Oginga said he had warned the former Prime Minister about unresolved family matters.

Oburu said he had the concerns with Raila just days before his death, urging him to resolve the matter to prevent future disputes among their children.

“I was telling him that there are a few things which are outstanding in the family, including the estate, which we had managed with him,” he said.

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