Kisumu, Kenya — May 9, 2026: Oburu Oginga has finally addressed growing speculation surrounding his absence from the public eye, assuring Kenyans that he is healthy, active, and still firmly in control of the Orange Democratic Movement party.
Speaking to journalists in Kisumu on Friday, the ODM leader dismissed claims that he was unwell or politically inactive, explaining that his reduced public appearances were part of a deliberate strategy aimed at allowing party structures and younger leaders to operate independently.
“I want to thank Kenyans for their concern about my absence, and I want to assure them that I am up and about. I’m not abducted…I’m not sick…I’m quite okay,” Oburu said.
The remarks come amid increased political speculation, especially following ODM’s recent internal wrangles and leadership debates.
“ODM Does Not Depend on One Person”
Oburu said ODM remains fully functional despite his lower public profile, emphasizing that the party’s structures continue to operate effectively.
“It was just a bit of, not just rest, but also giving directions to our party here and there because our party was not absent…it is present fully, and it is doing its activities as normal,” he stated.
The veteran politician added that ODM’s institutional framework allows the party to continue operating without depending entirely on one individual.
“Because we’re a structured party, we don’t depend on one person…we depend on the whole structure, and as long as it is functioning and things are working normally then I’m happy,” he said.
“Only if things are going wrong, then I come in very fast to negotiate and correct and move on. So I’m okay…I’m very okay…even this morning I was playing golf.”
Speculation Followed ODM Mombasa Retreat
Questions over Oburu’s whereabouts intensified after he missed the party’s recent three-day retreat in Mombasa, where ODM leaders met to discuss party unity and internal disputes.
His absence fuelled speculation in sections of the media and across social media platforms regarding both his health and political influence within the party.
Earlier on Friday, Oburu posted photos and a video of himself playing golf on his official X Platform account alongside the caption: “Up and grateful!”
ODM Dismisses Health Concerns
In a statement released by the Communications Department in Oburu’s office, ODM dismissed reports suggesting a decline in the leader’s health or political relevance as “malicious” and “entirely divorced from the truth.”
The statement maintained that Oburu’s lower public visibility is part of a deliberate political transition aimed at empowering younger leaders within ODM.
“We wish to reassure our supporters, stakeholders, and the general public that the Party Leader is in excellent health, sound mind, and continues to provide steady leadership to our movement,” the statement read.
“Having mentored a formidable team of energetic leaders, he has made the conscious decision to take a ‘back seat’ in day-to-day partisan activities. The Leader’s recent shift in public profile is a result of a calculated and deliberate strategic transition.”
Focus on Strategy and Coalition Building
According to the statement, Oburu is now concentrating on broader strategic responsibilities, including:
- Providing ideological guidance and mentorship
- Leading sensitive pre-coalition negotiations
- Building political alliances
- Engaging in long-term policy and diplomatic consultations
Political analysts say ODM’s internal succession planning and coalition-building efforts are likely to shape opposition politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Philip Etale Also Addresses Concerns
Earlier in the day, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale also sought to reassure supporters, saying the party leader was “very okay.”
“When people start questioning about the whereabouts of somebody, that tells you how important that person is. We take pride in that,” said Etale.
