Oburu Oginga health journey: What we know about his past hospitalisations

Veteran politician and Siaya Senator, Oburu Oginga, has experienced several documented hospitalisations throughout his political career. One such hospitalisation occurred in November 2022, when the ODM party leader travelled to Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad, India, for treatment of a long-standing knee issue. Oburu underwent a successful knee operation on November 26, 2022, and spoke publicly about his recovery, emphasising the lower cost of the treatment in India compared to Kenya.

He expressed his intention to return to golf once he had fully recovered. This hospitalisation also sparked a broader conversation about the high cost of specialised healthcare in Kenya.

Following the sudden death of his younger brother, Raila Odinga, in October 2025, Oginga went quiet on public platforms, leading to speculation that he might have travelled abroad for medical help. However, his family clarified that the trip was actually a short sabbatical to aid his emotional and physical recovery after a period of intense political engagements and family bereavement.

Party officials, including Raila's ally Victor Marende, reassured the public of Oburu's well-being, stating that he was "upbeat and very active."

Another verified hospitalisation took place in August 2026 when Oginga was admitted to Nairobi Hospital. The specific medical condition was not made public, but he later confirmed his discharge and recovery at home. Over the years, Oburu has often been the subject of false or exaggerated social media claims about his health, such as in 2025 and 2026 when reports suggested he had collapsed or been secretly hospitalised.

These rumours were quickly dismissed by Oburu, his family, and party officials, distinguishing them from his confirmed hospitalisations. Despite these health episodes, Oginga remains a prominent figure in Kenya's political landscape, having served in various capacities in Parliament, the East African Legislative Assembly, and now the Senate.