Oburu Oginga Flies Out to London for Medical Checkup

ODM leader Oburu Oginga has travelled to the United Kingdom (UK) for a routine medical checkup and a period of rest.

In a statement on Thursday, September 10, Oburu said the decision to travel was made following advice from his doctors and the party leadership.

"I am currently in the United Kingdom (UK) to undergo a thorough, routine medical checkup.

"This visit follows the direct advice of both my doctors and the party leadership to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of my health, while allowing me a dedicated period of rest and rejuvenation," he wrote.

Oburu said the medical break was also an opportunity to reflect on the future of ODM and the party's ability to operate effectively through its established structures.

"As I attend to these personal health routine checks, that naturally come with advancing years, I view taking this step back as a deliberate, strategic moment for our movement," he added.

Oburu said ODM was undergoing a period that would test its institutional strength and preparedness, adding that he welcomed the challenge as an opportunity for the party to demonstrate its resilience.

"This is a time of transition, where the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is being tested on its readiness and preparedness on institutionalism. I welcome this test.

"A true voice of the people and a mature political movement must be anchored upon strong, resilient structures that outlast us all," he further said.

Oburu further assured ODM supporters that the party had the internal systems required to maintain its operations while he was away for the medical checkup.

"Our party possesses the internal mechanisms, the democratic maturity, and the systems to handle day to day activities seamlessly. To ensure that our national operations continue without a moment's interruption," he noted.

Oburu pointed to the party's deputy leaders, Kisii Governor Paul Simba Arati and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, as among the senior officials expected to oversee party affairs alongside the National Central Committee and secretariat.

"As an elder who has walked this long journey with you, I have absolute faith in their collective leadership, discipline, and vision to steer our movement effectively," he stated.

Oburu also called on ODM members, officials and supporters to remain united and cooperate with the party leadership as he undergoes the routine medical checks.

"I urge all party members, officials, and the millions of Kenyans who look to us for leadership to accord them the utmost cooperation, stay unified, and remain focused on our shared national goals," he concluded.

This comes a week after Oburu reassured the public that he is in good health following concerns raised over reports about his condition.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 1, the Siaya Senator said he had seen a report published by a local publication and assured the public that he was well.

"Thank you for your concerns. I have read the Nation’s digital news and wish to state that I am very well," he said.

Oburu clarified that he had only made a brief visit to hospital for a general check-up with his doctors before returning home.

"I had only briefly visited the hospital for a general check-up with my doctors and have since returned home," he added.

Oburu added that being sick was a normal human experience and urged the public not to be alarmed.

"Being sick is a normal human experience and should not alarm anyone. The day I am truly sick, I will inform you all, for I am a very transparent person," he further said.