Siaya Senator and ODM leader Oburu Oginga has returned to the country after a short sabbatical in Dubai.
Nyakach Member of Parliament (MP) Joshua Aduma Owuor confirmed that the senator landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, November 27, where ODM members welcomed him.
From the airport, he headed to Lee Funeral Home to view the body of his younger sister, the late Beryl Achieng’ Odinga.
His sister, Beryl Achieng’, died on November 25, an announcement that was confirmed by Kisumu County Woman Representative, Ruth Odinga.
On November 21, Oburu announced that he was taking a sabbatical that 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.
Oburu Odinga Quietly Jets Back Into the Country
According to his son, Jaoko Oburu Odinga, the trip to Dubai was intended to give the veteran politician time to rest and recharge.
“There have been speculations about the health of Oburu Oginga. We have had functions to mourn Baba (Raila), there was also ODM at 20,” he stated.
“The party leader has not had time to rest and even mourn his own brother. Last week he took his break and went to Dubai. He will be back.”
Also Read: Oburu Odinga Flies Out of Country After Announcing Sabbatical
Why Oburu Traveled to Dubai
His sister, 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.
Also Read: Blow to Oburu as Section of ODM Members Begin Process to Remove Him
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.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
