Oburu Oginga hospitalised as family weighs UK treatment

ODM leader Oburu Oginga is receiving medical attention as his family considers specialised treatment abroad, amid growing concern over the health of the veteran politician.

ODM leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga is receiving medical treatment, with his family reportedly considering specialised care in the United Kingdom.

The 83-year-old politician’s condition has not been publicly disclosed. Neither ODM nor his family has issued a detailed medical statement.

Reports from people familiar with his situation indicate that doctors have restricted access to him, with only close family members allowed to visit. Several politicians who reportedly attempted to see him were turned away.

The reports differ on the exact timeline of his hospitalisation. Capital FM reported that Oginga was first admitted on August 22, discharged four days later and subsequently readmitted on August 26. Another report published on September 1 said he remained under medical care and was stabilising.

His family is said to be exploring the possibility of taking him to the UK for further specialised treatment. However, there is no confirmation that a transfer has been arranged.

Health rumours have circulated before

Oginga’s health has been the subject of speculation several times this year.

In May, reports about his absence from public events prompted questions about his wellbeing. The claims were later dismissed, and he subsequently appeared publicly, including playing golf in Kisumu.

Earlier false claims also circulated online, including doctored images purporting to show him receiving treatment in India.

The latest reports have therefore been met with caution, particularly because no official medical bulletin has been issued.

A significant moment for ODM

Oginga’s absence comes at a sensitive time for ODM.

He became the party’s leader following the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in October 2025. Since then, ODM has faced internal disagreements over its political direction and its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration.

Oginga has remained a central figure in those debates, including discussions around the emerging political relationship between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza administration.

His health situation therefore comes as the party positions itself for the 2027 General Election.

For now, however, the focus remains on his recovery.

With no official diagnosis or detailed medical update available, claims about the nature or seriousness of his illness remain unverified. The family’s reported consideration of treatment abroad should also not be interpreted as confirmation of a particular medical condition.

What is clear is that the veteran politician has been receiving medical attention and that access to him has been limited as doctors prioritise his care and privacy.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.