ODM leader Oburu Oginga is currently out of the country, with reports indicating he is in Dubai. ODM leader Oburu Oginga speaking at the funeral of his late brother Raila Odinga. Oburu, 81, travelled to Dubai as his close relatives sought to ease speculation about the purpose of the trip. The Standard quoted his sister, Ruth Odinga, the Kisumu County woman representative, confirming that her elder brother was abroad for three days. Why Oburu Oginga flew to Dubai She explained that Oburu had taken time off to rest and rejuvenate after weeks of demanding duties, including leading the Odinga family through the funeral of Raila Odinga and later steering ODM during its busy anniversary celebrations in Mombasa.
An X account associated with Oburu also posted a message affirming that the Siaya senator was overseas and in good health. “Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge, and reset,” the post read. The update was subsequently acknowledged by his son, Jaoko Oburu, who reposted it. The trip happens to be Oburu’s first one ever since the death of his younger brother. What killed Raila Odinga? Raila passed away in Southern India on October 15 while undergoing treatment. He had been rushed to Devamatha Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest, having collapsed and experienced shortness of breath during his routine morning walk. Despite intensive resuscitation efforts by the medical team, their attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. The late Raila Odinga (in white) in a past event; he died on October 15, 2025.
The cardiologist attending to Raila noted that he was admitted without a heartbeat. He was immediately transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where doctors inserted an endotracheal tube to support his breathing, as he was struggling to inhale and exhale. Despite the interventions, the 80-year-old did not survive. Subsequent examinations by Devamatha medics revealed underlying health conditions, including diabetes, kidney complications, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in his right leg, and a history of fainting spells. Alongside CPR, emergency measures included placing an IVC filter to monitor possible clots from DVT, administering injections, and performing thrombolysis to dissolve any clots that may have formed. His body was flown back to Kenya aboard a Kenya Airways flight and received the following morning, October 16, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Raila was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, concluding the state funeral with full military honours as sanctioned by President William Ruto.
By Kai Eli
