Oburu Odinga Jets to Dubai for Three-Day Break After Intense Month

ODM leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has flown to Dubai for a three-day break after a hectic stretch in national and family affairs.

He announced the trip on social media, telling supporters that he is healthy, relaxed and taking time to recharge. His sister, Ruth Odinga, said the sabbatical was planned earlier to give him space after an emotionally demanding period.

Busy Weeks After Raila’s Passing

Oburu spent weeks coordinating Raila Odinga’s state funeral. He moved between Bondo and Nairobi as preparations intensified.
A day after Raila’s death, on October 16, the party appointed him interim ODM leader. ODM later confirmed him to the position. He then led the ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa.

Packed Schedule Awaits His Return

When he comes back, Oburu will handle a wide range of family and party matters. He now leads the Odinga political and business network, a role he previously shared with Raila.

In a recent interview, he admitted fears of possible family disagreements. He said he had raised these concerns with Raila before his death.
“I told him that we still had a few unresolved issues in the family, including the estate we managed together,” Oburu said.

Rifts Inside ODM as 2027 Nears

ODM is facing fresh pressure as rival groups push different political positions. The party is divided on whether to support President William Ruto’s broad-based government or field its own candidate in 2027.

Oburu also returns to oversee by-elections scheduled for November 27. These races will be the first without Raila’s influence and strong mobilisation.

Senior party members, including Winnie Odinga, are pushing for a National Delegates Convention to decide the party’s direction and define its relationship with the Ruto administration.