18 Things You Didn’t Know About Oburu Oginga
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Oburu Ng’ong’a Oginga is a veteran Kenyan politician whose public career spans more than five decades.
The Siaya Senator currently leads the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The party appointed him acting leader following the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in October 2025, before formally confirming him as party leader.
Born into one of Kenya’s prominent political families, Oburu is the eldest son of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
His younger brother, Raila, later became Prime Minister and built a long career in national politics.
Oburu Oginga’s Age, Education and Early Career
Oburu was born on October 15, 1943, and is 82 years old as of September 2026. He will turn 83 on October 15.
For his university education, he travelled to Moscow and studied economics at People’s Friendship University.
Parliament records show that he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, followed by a Master of Science and a PhD in Economics.
After completing his studies between 1965 and 1970, Oburu returned to Kenya and joined the public service.
He worked as an economist at the Ministry of Planning and National Development from 1981 to 1994.
That experience gave him a strong background in economics and government policy before he moved into elective politics.
Family and Religion
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga played a major role in shaping Oburu’s early life and political outlook.
The elder Odinga served as Kenya’s first Vice President and remained an influential figure in the country’s political history.
Away from public office, Oburu has two wives, Dr Ann Ayoo Oburu and Judith Oburu. He has publicly identified Ann as his first wife and Judith as his second.
The senator has also previously said that he has seven children, although he has generally kept his immediate family away from the public eye.
Beyond their family ties, Oburu and Raila shared a close relationship. The two brothers were born about 14 months apart.
Over the years, both brothers entered politics, although Raila eventually became the more prominent national political figure.
On matters of faith, Oburu identifies as an Anglican Christian.
In 2025, he spoke about his upbringing in the Anglican Church and explained why his father chose to retain African names for his children instead of replacing them with English names during baptism.
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ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga playing golf in Kisumu on May 8, 2026, as he gives a health update and reassures the public after his recent absence. PHOTO/ Oburu Odinga.
Long Political Career
Oburu started his elective political career in 1974 when he became a councilor in Kisumu Municipality.
He served in the local authority until 1979 before returning to government service.
Oburu entered national politics in 1994 when he won the Bondo parliamentary seat. He represented the constituency until 2013 and served as an Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Finance during his time in government.
After leaving the Bondo seat, Oburu returned to the National Assembly as a nominated MP in 2013. He remained in Parliament until 2017.
He then joined the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), marking his entry into regional politics.
From 2017 to 2022, Oburu served in the regional Parliament and also held the position of commissioner.
The 2022 General Election brought him back to elective politics. He won the Siaya County Senate seat on an ODM ticket and has held the position since.
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Rise to ODM Leadership
Raila’s death in October 2025 brought Oburu into a more prominent position within ODM.
Following the death of its long-time leader, the party appointed Oburu as acting leader as it organized its next steps.
ODM delegates later confirmed him as party leader during a Special Delegates Conference at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi on March 27, 2026.
That decision placed Oburu at the head of a party that his younger brother had led for many years.
Since then, he has combined his responsibilities as ODM leader with his work as Siaya Senator.
His new role also marked a fresh chapter for the Odinga family, with Oburu becoming its senior political figure after Raila’s death.
ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga during the SDC held on March 27,2026. PHOTO/ODM X.
Oburu Oginga’s Health and Recent UK Trip
Public interest in Oburu’s health grew in September 2026 after reports that he had received medical attention at a Nairobi hospital.
The senator later addressed the reports and said he had been discharged and was recovering at home, dismissing claims that he had been readmitted.
“Being sick is a normal human experience and should not alarm anyone. The day I am truly sick, I will inform you all, for I am a very transparent person,” Oburu said.
A few days later, he travelled to the United Kingdom for medical checks as on September 10, 2026, Oburu confirmed that he was in the UK and described the visit as a routine assessment.
“I am currently in the United Kingdom (UK) to undergo a thorough, routine medical checkup,” he said.
According to Oburu, his doctors and ODM leadership advised him to undergo the check-up and use the trip as an opportunity to rest.
Meanwhile, no specific illness has been publicly confirmed by Oburu in connection with his recent hospital visit or UK trip.
At 82, Oburu remains active in national politics as Siaya Senator and ODM leader.
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ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga speaking during the ODM Nyanza grassroots leader’s consultative forum that brought together Speakers of County Assemblies from Homabay, Kisumu, Migori, and Siaya Counties, MCAs, and Majority Leaders in Nyakach Constituency on May 15, 2026. PHOTO/ ODM X.
