Raila Junior visits recovering Oburu Odinga at home

Kibra parliamentary aspirant Raila Odinga Junior when he visited ODM leader Oburu Odinga at his home/HANDOUTKibra parliamentary aspirant Raila Odinga Junior visited ODM party leader Oburu Odinga at his home on Tuesday as the Siaya Senator continued his recovery following his discharge from Nairobi Hospital.

Junior shared a photograph of himself with Oburu on his social media platforms, accompanying it with the message, “God is good.”

The visit comes barely a week after ODM deputy party leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati visited Oburu following his discharge on October 19, 2026.

Oburu’s hospitalisation attracted public attention and speculation about his health, coming shortly before events marking the first anniversary of the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The Siaya Senator was also recovering when he marked his birthday on October 15, a date that coincided with Raila Odinga’s death.

Oburu thanked his family, Nairobi Hospital staff, ODM members and his personal staff for organising a surprise celebration and supporting him during his recovery. He singled out his spouses, Ann Oburu and Judith Oburu, as well as ODM trustee Elder Joshua Kawino, for their care and presence.

“Special thanks go to my domestic staff at home and the hardworking team at Pawaa Centre for your dedication, loyalty, and thoughtfulness in putting this together. Your love and presence have made this solemn yet special day truly comforting. May God bless you all abundantly,” he said.

Junior’s visit comes as he steps up his political ambitions in Kibra, where he intends to contest the parliamentary seat in 2027 on an ODM ticket.

He received public backing from his mother, Mama Ida Odinga, during her 76th birthday celebrations in August 2026. Several ODM grassroots leaders and ward delegates in Kibra have also expressed support for his bid, including representatives from Laini Saba, Lindi, Makina, Woodley/Kenyatta Golf Course and Sarang’ombe.

The aspirant has reaffirmed his commitment to ODM, maintaining that those seeking elective positions must participate in the party’s official nomination process. The Kibra parliamentary seat is currently held by MP Peter Orero.

Beyond his parliamentary ambitions, Junior has urged ODM members dissatisfied with the party’s direction to remain within the movement and resolve their differences through dialogue rather than defecting.

He argued that internal disagreements should not drive members away from the party his late father spent decades building, calling on leaders to prioritise unity and reconciliation as ODM adjusts to life without its founding leader.

His appeal comes as the party grapples with disagreements over its leadership, political alliances and relationship with President William Ruto’s administration. Its position on the 2027 elections, including the extent of its cooperation with the ruling side, remains a key issue among leaders and supporters.