Siaya Senator and ODM leader Oburu Odinga has been admitted to Nairobi Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment since Saturday, October 3.
The latest hospitalisation comes weeks after the veteran politician travelled to the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up and a period of rest and recuperation.
A source at Nairobi Hospital told the media on Monday that Oburu remained under treatment for a chronic illness, although details of his condition were not immediately disclosed.
Oburu’s latest health concerns come barely a month after he made a brief visit to the same hospital in Nairobi.
On September 1, the Siaya senator dismissed reports that he had been seriously ill, saying he had only gone to hospital for a general check-up with his doctors.
He later confirmed that he had been unwell but had been discharged and was recuperating at home.
Days later, on September 10, ODM confirmed that Oburu had travelled to the UK for a routine medical review.
Party communications director Philip Etale said at the time that the senator was doing well.
Oburu subsequently explained that the trip had been undertaken on the advice of his doctors and the ODM leadership to allow him to undergo a comprehensive health assessment.
He also said the UK visit would provide an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate, describing the medical checks as part of attending to health needs associated with advancing age.
“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,” Oburu said.
The ODM leader also sought to reassure party members that his temporary absence would not affect the running of the party, saying its structures were strong enough to manage its affairs in his absence.
On Sunday, October 4, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga said she had visited Oburu after his return to Kenya and briefed him on developments within the party.
She reassured the public that he was recovering well following his stay in the UK.
Oburu, 78, is serving as the Siaya senator and took over as ODM party leader following the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in October 2025.
The latest hospitalisation is expected to renew public interest in the health of the veteran politician, who has remained an influential figure in ODM and national politics.
