Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has taken a short trip to Dubai for a three-day rest following an intense stretch of political and personal engagements.
The announcement was made by his sister Ruth Odinga in a social media post on Saturday, where she noted the need for Oburu to take a break after what she described as a “hectic and emotionally taxing” period.
"ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has travelled to Dubai for a 3-day visit to rest following a hectic political period," she posted.
Her remarks came just hours after he expressed gratitude for his well-being, noting that he was taking a brief break to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate.
"Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge, and reset," he posted a day earlier.
Oburu has recently found himself at the heart of significant national events.
He played a leading role in the funeral arrangements of his younger brother, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15.
As a key member of the funeral committee, Oburu oversaw logistical and ceremonial preparations, including Raila’s final resting place at their family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Siaya County.
Beyond the funeral, Oburu has remained deeply active within the Orange Democratic Movement.
He chaired and participated in numerous party activities, including the milestone ODM@20 anniversary celebrations held in Mombasa earlier this month.
The event brought together senior party members, delegates, and supporters in honour of the party’s two-decade legacy, with Oburu at the forefront of planning and coordination.
Most significantly, Oburu was officially endorsed by the ODM National Governing Council as the new party leader—an honour that cements his long-standing role in Kenya’s political landscape.
The endorsement came at a time when the party is navigating internal succession planning and looking to re-energise its base ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He has previously dismissed attempts to splinter the outfit, saying the party remains intact and focused ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Oburu said no factional pressure would be allowed to destabilise the party, adding that ODM is instead preparing to strengthen its grassroots and national structures..
Speaking on Wednesday, November 19, Oburu dismissed claims that ODM was gearing up to remain in the opposition, stressing that the party is targeting power.
“Those who want to break ODM, it will never happen in my hands. We shall not allow ODM to be divided. We are going to move forward and make ODM stronger so that when it comes to 2027, we are either going to do it alone or we will go with parties with which we shall negotiate a good deal to work together. That is what our party is all about,” the party leader said.
“There is nothing like forming a party to be in the opposition. I’m not going to lead my party to be in the opposition, I’m going to lead my party to be in the government.”
