We forced him: Oburu’s son gives more details of his father’s Dubai trip
By Lutta Njomo, November 22, 2025Jaoko Oburu, the son of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga and a nephew of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has provided more details of his father’s trip to Dubai.
In a video posted on his social media page on Saturday, November 22, 2025, Jaoko detailed that they forced the newly installed Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader to fly to Dubai to rest and rejuvenate.
“We took mzee to go and rest. We forced him… we forced him that he has to take a break. Atarudi at the end of next week,” Jaoko stated.
“Mzee ameenda uko kunyoroshwa, kutembea tembea juu anapenda kutembea,” Jaoko added.
No health concerns
At the same time, Jaoko rubbished claims that Jaoko travelled to Dubai due to health complications, insisting that Oburu is healthy.
“Hakuenda na shida yoyote,” Jaoko informed the country, affirming that he will be back next week.
Ruth Odinga’s statement
Earlier, County Woman Representative for Kisumu County, Ruth Odinga, announced that ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga had travelled abroad.
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.
Busy schedule
Since the death of Raila, Oburu was placed at the nerve centre of all operations regarding Odinga’s family, the burial, and later party affairs.
Immediately after Raila was laid to rest, Oburu started planning for ODM’s @20 anniversary celebrations, where he was confirmed as the party leader. 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.
He also played a key role in bringing order to the Orange Democratic Movement after claims of divisions.
“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 announced on November 19, 2025.