His return, which came during a high-profile wedding ceremony in Garissa on Saturday, November 29, eased widespread concerns about his well-being.
Oburu had been out of the public eye after announcing that he was taking a break from active politics.
The announcement came shortly after he spent several weeks on the road, handling intense political duties and guiding the ODM party following the passing of his brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
His decision to take a sabbatical raised questions among Kenyans, especially after it emerged that he had travelled to Dubai.
Many supporters feared he might be facing health challenges, leading to online discussions and messages of concern.
However, family members later clarified that the Dubai trip was purely for rest and recovery, not for medical treatment.
They said he had been urged to take time off after months of heavy responsibilities, including planning Raila’s funeral and coordinating ODM campaigns during recent by-elections.
The fears were finally put to rest when Oburu resurfaced over the weekend at the wedding of the son of National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji.
The colourful ceremony brought together several top leaders, including President William Ruto, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and Health CS Aden Duale.
Oburu appeared calm, composed, and in good health. Dressed in a white kanzu and matching Islamic cap, he blended effortlessly with other guests and drew warm applause when he rose to address the gathering.
He greeted attendees in Swahili and Arabic, expressing his joy at celebrating the important moment with the Haji family.
Later, on social media, he described marriage as a blessing and wished the newlyweds a long, happy life together.
His presence immediately sparked reactions online, with many Kenyans expressing relief and excitement.
Supporters described him as a respected statesman whose leadership is still needed as ODM rebuilds after a challenging political season.
Some thanked God for his renewed strength, while others encouraged him to continue steering the party towards unity, voter mobilisation, and future elections.
For weeks, Oburu had been trending due to his absence from public life. His last major appearance came during ODM’s 20th anniversary celebration in Mombasa, where he delivered a powerful message on party unity.
Since then, Kenyans had turned to social media platforms searching for updates about him, especially after his sister, Berly Achieng Odinga, passed away while undergoing treatment.
Images of Oburu grieving at the Lee Funeral Home had only intensified worries about his emotional and physical state.
Saturday’s event, therefore, became more than a wedding—it became a moment of reassurance for millions who follow ODM politics closely.
His calm demeanor, light-hearted jokes and warm interactions suggested that he had used his break effectively and was ready to reconnect with the public.
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