County Woman Representative for Kisumu County, Ruth Odinga, announced that ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga has travelled abroad.

Taking to her social media account on Saturday, November 22, 2025, Ruth stated that Oburu had jetted off to Dubai for a three-day break to rest and recharge after a hectic political period.

“ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has travelled to Dubai for a three-day visit to rest following a hectic political period,” Ruth posted.

Her announcement came shortly after Oburu himself shared a message expressing gratitude for his health and explaining the purpose of the trip.

“Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge, and reset,” Oburu wrote on his social media account.

The Siaya Senator has been active in public life since the death of his younger brother, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, on October 15, 2025. Raila was laid to rest at the family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Siaya County, on October 19.

Since then, Oburu has remained heavily involved in both family and political matters. He led the arrangements for Raila’s funeral and was a central figure in the planning and execution of the event.

Following the funeral, he focused on party activities, including the ODM@20 anniversary celebrations held in Mombasa earlier in November. The event brought together senior party members, delegates, and supporters to mark the party’s two-decade legacy, with Oburu playing a key role in coordination and organisation.

ODM leadership

Oburu was recently endorsed by the ODM National Governing Council as the party leader, a decision that confirms his position at the top of the organisation. His leadership comes at a time when ODM is navigating internal succession planning and preparing for the 2027 General Election.

Oburu has emphasised that no factional pressure will be allowed to divide the party and has dismissed claims that ODM intends to remain in opposition.

“Those who want to break ODM, it will never happen in my hands. We shall not allow ODM to be divided. We are going to move forward and make ODM stronger so that when it comes to 2027, we are either going to do it alone or negotiate a good deal to work with other parties,” Oburu said on November 19, 2025.

Oburu’s trip to Dubai comes amid a period of intense political and personal activity. He has been actively involved in party campaigns ahead of the November 27 by-elections and has managed multiple responsibilities as the new party leader.

This marks Oburu Odinga’s first trip abroad since the passing of his brother, Raila. He is expected to return to Kenya after three days, ready to resume his leadership duties within ODM and continue preparing the party for upcoming political challenges.