Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has resurfaced amid growing concerns from a section of Kenyans over his whereabouts.

Oburu, who was last seen publicly on April 20, 2026, during the ODM Youth League Convention held at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi, shared a short video on his official Facebook account on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Oburu speaks about his health

In the video, he thanked Kenyans for expressing their concerns and confirmed that he is in good health.

Oburu, who was dressed in golf-playing outfits, said that he was in Kisumu enjoying the game and wished Kenyans a happy weekend.

“Thank you for your concerns about my whereabouts. I am here in Kisumu, vibrant, up and about, playing golf, and I want to wish all of you a very happy weekend,” Oburu said.

His absence from the public and the recent ODM retreat in Mombasa had triggered speculation among supporters and political observers who kept on questioning his whereabouts.

Etale’s assurance to the public

ODM Communications Director Philip Etale had earlier moved to calm growing speculation surrounding the whereabouts of Oburu.

Speaking at Chungwa House on Friday, May 8, 2026, during a meeting with a section of the ODM youth, Etale assured supporters that Oburu is in good health and will soon make a public appearance.

Etale dismissed fears and described the ODM figure as “very okay”.

“I want to assure you, the party leader (Oburu Oginga) is very okay; is fine,” Etale said.

He suggested that the public interest surrounding Oburu’s absence reflected his continued political relevance and influence.

“And you know, when people start questioning about the whereabouts of somebody, that tells you how important that person is, isn’t it? So we take pride in that,” he added.

Etale said ODM was pleased that Oburu continues to attract public attention, describing him as a key political figure whose activities remain closely followed.

Etale further revealed that Oburu is expected to appear publicly during an event linked to the memory of his late father, independence-era leader Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

“We are very happy that our party leader continues to attract news. He’s becoming one source of news that everyone wants to look up to, and we want to assure you that he is very okay and tomorrow you will be seeing him in the almer matter of his late father speaking and roaring,” he said.

Oburu’s well-being

Earlier, Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai had issued a warning to the ODM leadership, demanding the urgent appointment of a stand-in party leader to assist Oburu.

Taking to his social media pages on Friday, May 8, 2026, Alai expressed concern that the rigorous demands of party leadership are taking a toll on Oburu’s health.

“Wacha niseme! ODM must urgently start the process of looking for a stand-in party leader to replace Dr Oburu whenever he is not able to personally lead party activities,” Alai said.

He argued that forcing the veteran politician to constantly travel in helicopters to lead party activities is affecting his well-being and preventing him from living his age.

“The top ODM leadership will kill Dr Oburu by demanding that he fly in choppers all the time, affecting his well-being, and even not live to his age,” Alai stated.