Orange Democratic Movement Communications Director Philip Etale speaking in Mombasa on May 3, 2026 / HANDOUTODM Director of Communication Philip Etale has dismissed reports of concern over the health of party leader Oburu Oginga, saying he is well after visiting Nairobi Hospital for a routine check-up.
Etale said he spoke to Oburu on Monday evening and confirmed that the Siaya Senator had gone to the hospital on Sunday for the check-up.
Etale said Oburu was not rushed to hospital, urging people to confirm information before sharing reports about his health.
“Oburu is back. He went to Nairobi Hospital for a routine check-up, you know, at his age. He’s an old man. There’s no cause for alarm. I’ve seen people on social media, people in the media trying to blow things out of proportion. Dr Oburu is okay. I spoke to him last evening,” Etale said.
He said Oburu would not be actively involved in politics for the next few weeks but would return to political activities in due course.
“He’ll not be actively involved in politics for the next few weeks or so. He’ll be back in the fullness of time,” Etale said.
On October activities planned by ODM and the family to commemorate former party leader Raila Odinga, Etale said the month had been dedicated to remembering him and the values and freedoms he fought for during his political career.
“It’s not festivities. It’s just a commemoration. It’s a month that the party and the family dedicated to Baba, and in fact the whole country has been invited to also remember Baba because he stood for many things,” Etale said.
He said the freedoms Kenyans enjoy today were among the causes Raila fought for during his political career.
On Monday, reports indicated that Oburu had been admitted again to Nairobi Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment since Saturday.
A source at the hospital told the Star that Oburu remained under treatment for a chronic illness.
Oburu's latest hospitalisation comes weeks after he travelled to the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up.
On September 10, the Orange Democratic Movement leader confirmed that he was in the UK for medical tests, saying the visit followed advice from his doctors and the party leadership.
Oburu later said the trip would also give him time to rest and rejuvenate, describing the medical checks as part of attending to health needs that come 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.
He used the occasion to assure ODM members that the party had structures capable of running its affairs in his absence.
