Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has travelled to the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up, days after a brief visit to Nairobi Hospital.
A source familiar with the matter said the Siaya senator travelled to Britain for the scheduled medical review and was in good spirits.
He is expected to return to Kenya on Saturday, September 12, according to the source.
Trip follows Nairobi hospital visit
Oburu’s latest trip comes just days after he was briefly admitted to Nairobi Hospital on September 1.
The hospital visit prompted concern about his health, but the ODM leader moved quickly to dismiss reports that he was seriously ill.
“I had only briefly visited the hospital for a general check-up with my doctors and have since returned home,” Oburu said at the time.
He said there was no reason for alarm and promised to inform Kenyans if he ever developed a serious health problem.
“Being sick is a normal human experience and should not alarm anyone,” he said. “The day I am truly sick, I will inform you all, for I am a very transparent person.”
ODM confirms he is abroad
The party had earlier confirmed that its leader was outside the country, although it initially described the trip only as being for official duties.
ODM disclosed more details on Wednesday, September 9, when its Central Committee met under the leadership of Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, who chaired the meeting in Oburu’s absence.
The party said the meeting considered several national and party matters, including proposals aimed at strengthening ODM’s position on national unity and cooperation with other parties within the broad-based government.
Medical trip comes amid political activity
Oburu’s absence comes as ODM continues consultations over its political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The party has been working within its cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance, while discussions over the future of the broad-based government continue.
Oburu became ODM party leader after the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in October 2025. He has since led the party as it backs Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
The medical trip therefore comes at a time when the party remains active in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
Oburu keeps public reassured
Since his hospital visit, Oburu has continued to reassure the public about his health.
He also held meetings with political leaders and friends who visited to check on his well-being. He has, however, remained less visible on the political scene in recent days.
His latest trip to Britain is being described as a routine medical check-up, with no indication from the available reports that he is receiving treatment for a serious illness.
The ODM leader is expected to return to Kenya on Saturday after completing the medical review.
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