Oburu Oginga Returns Amid Family Grief and ODM Tensions

The 82-year-old patriarch headed straight to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi to view the body of his younger sister, Beryl Achieng’ Odinga, who died on November 25, marking the second major family loss in six weeks following former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death on October 15.

Nyakach Member of Parliament (MP) Joshua Aduma Owuor confirmed that the senator landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, November 27.

ODM supporters greeted him upon arrival as he navigates both personal mourning and party leadership demands.

Reason for Dubai Trip

Oburu, aged 82, announced on November 21 that he was taking a brief break to “recollect, recharge, and reset” following intense political and family duties.

“Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge, and reset,” he said in a post.

His son, Jaoko Oburu Odinga, explained the trip allowed the veteran politician to rest after mourning former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on October 15, and handling ODM’s 20th anniversary events.

“There have been speculations about the health of Oburu Oginga. We have had functions to mourn Baba (Raila), there was also ODM at 20,” he stated.

“The party leader has not had time to rest and even mourn his own brother. Last week he took his break and went to Dubai. He will be back.”

Sister Ruth Odinga confirmed it was a three-day visit purely for recovery from a hectic schedule, including Raila’s state funeral arrangements at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Siaya County.

Beryl’s sudden passing forced him to abandon the respite, with relatives gathering at her Kileleshwa home and Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo to console Betty and Susan Oginga.

Family Mourning Deepens

Beryl Achieng’, described as a loving mother and mentor, leaves the Odinga family in “unimaginable pain,” with step-sister Emily Oginga stating burial plans await Oburu’s full involvement, likely finalizing on Friday.

Jaoko paid tribute, highlighting wounds that “had barely begun to heal” after Raila’s funeral at Opoda Farm, where visitors like Embakasi East MP Babu Owino continue paying respects.

The dual tragedies have drawn condolences from political allies, with friends consoling at funeral homes and family residences.

Political Challenges

Oburu assumed acting ODM leadership on October 16 after Raila’s death, but faces pushback from party members.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi criticized the appointment as premature and disrespectful during mourning, linking it to disruptions like scaled-back ODM@20 celebrations.

“Giving Oburu that position while burying Baba was wrong timing. It could have been endorsed at any other time, but why the hurry? Now you see the repercussions. We were supposed to do ODM at 20, but Baba has left us. People are angry out there,” he said.

EALA MP Winnie Odinga called for a National Delegates Council to chart the party’s future amid internal debates.

Despite health confirmations from Jaoko, the trip fueled speculation, though family emphasized rest over woes.