Oburu Ng’ong’a Oginga, popularly known as Oburu Odinga, was born on 15 October 1943 in Nyanza, Kenya. He is the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President and one of the country’s most influential independence-era politicians. Growing up in the Odinga family exposed Oburu to politics, public service and the major political debates that shaped Kenya after independence.
Oburu is part of one of Kenya’s most prominent political families. His siblings include the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Ruth Odinga, among others. His family’s political history played an important role in shaping his understanding of governance and public affairs, although Oburu developed his own career initially through economics and government service before becoming a prominent elected politician.
As a young man, Oburu pursued his education outside Kenya, including secondary education in Moscow. His early exposure to international education and economics later became an important foundation for his professional career. Before entering national politics, he worked as an economist in government, building experience that would eventually lead him into parliamentary and ministerial service.
Oburu Odinga Education
Oburu Odinga’s academic journey began at Soviet Secondary School in Moscow, where he studied from 1962 to 1964 and obtained his secondary school certificate. His decision to continue his education abroad gave him an opportunity to study in a different academic and political environment during an important period in Kenya’s post-independence history.
He subsequently attended People’s Friendship University, now associated with the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, where he studied economics. According to the official Kenyan Parliament profile, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and later a Master of Science degree in Economics.
Oburu continued his studies at the same institution and earned a PhD in Economics between 1968 and 1970. His extensive academic background in economics distinguished him from many politicians and provided a foundation for his early career as a government economist and later his involvement in national economic policy.
Oburu Odinga Career
Oburu Odinga began his professional career in public service and worked as an economist at Kenya’s Ministry of Planning and National Development from 1981 to 1994. Before that, he served as an elected councillor in Kisumu Municipality between 1974 and 1979. His background in economics and government administration helped establish his reputation as a politician with considerable experience in public policy.
In 1994, Oburu entered the National Assembly as the Member of Parliament for Bondo Constituency, a position he held until 2013. During the Grand Coalition Government, he served as Assistant Minister for Finance from 2008 to 2013, working under President Mwai Kibaki’s administration while his brother Raila Odinga was Prime Minister.
Between 2013 and 2017, he served as a nominated member of the National Assembly, before moving to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), where he served from 2017 to 2022. In 2022, he was elected Senator for Siaya County. Following Raila Odinga’s death in October 2025, Oburu became acting leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and was subsequently confirmed as party leader in 2026. He now combines his role as Siaya Senator with leadership of one of Kenya’s major political parties.
Oburu Odinga Personal Life and Family
Oburu Odinga is married to Dr Anne Ayoo Oburu and Judith Oburu. Oburu publicly introduced the two women during the funeral ceremonies for his late brother Raila Odinga in 2025. He identified Anne as his first wife and Judith as his second wife. Anne is a paediatrician, while Judith has been described publicly as a qualified accountant who has worked with the National Social Security Fund.
Oburu is a father of seven children, although he has generally maintained a private approach to his family life. One of his better-known children is Jaoko Oburu, who has also become involved in public affairs. Oburu has previously spoken about his children in interviews, including his son Elijah, while keeping much of the family’s private life away from political publicity.
The Odinga family remains one of the most recognizable political families in Kenya. Oburu’s father was Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the country’s first Vice President, while his younger brother Raila Odinga became Prime Minister and a major opposition leader. His sister Ruth Odinga has also been involved in Kenyan politics. Following Raila’s death in 2025, Oburu’s political prominence increased significantly as he took a leading role in ODM.
Oburu Odinga Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Oburu Odinga was born on 15 October 1943, making him 82 years old as of 15 September 2026; he will turn 83 on 15 October 2026. He is Kenyan by nationality and has publicly identified himself as an Anglican Christian. His exact height has not been reliably documented in authoritative public records, so specific height figures circulating online should be treated cautiously. Public photographs show him as an elderly Kenyan statesman who commonly appears in formal suits or traditional and political attire, with grey hair and a mature physical appearance.
Oburu Odinga Social Media Presence
Oburu Odinga maintains a public social-media presence under the name Dr. Oburu Oginga, particularly through his political communications. His publicly identified social-media handle is @DrOburu_O, where he has shared political statements, meetings, messages to ODM supporters and updates concerning national affairs. Recent reports also quoted statements he shared through social media while addressing public concerns about his health.
His social-media activity has become particularly relevant since taking over the leadership of ODM. Through his online platforms, Oburu communicates with supporters and comments on political developments, government policy and issues affecting Kenyans.
Oburu Odinga Net Worth
There is no independently verified public figure for Oburu Odinga’s exact net worth. As a result, claims giving a precise multimillion-dollar figure should be treated as estimates rather than established fact. His financial position has been built over decades through public service, parliamentary work, ministerial responsibilities and other professional activities.
As a sitting Kenyan senator, Oburu receives parliamentary remuneration and benefits determined through Kenya’s public-sector remuneration framework. His previous positions—including Member of Parliament, Assistant Minister for Finance and EALA representative—have also provided income over a long public-service career. However, an individual’s total wealth cannot be accurately calculated from political salary alone.
A cautious biography can therefore describe Oburu Odinga’s net worth as undisclosed, rather than presenting an unsupported exact amount. Considering his decades of senior public service and professional career as an economist, online estimates may place his wealth in the hundreds of thousands to low millions of US dollars, but these figures are not independently verified and should not be presented as an official net-worth figure.
Oburu Odinga Legacy
Oburu Odinga’s legacy is closely connected to both Kenyan public service and the wider Odinga political tradition. Unlike his brother Raila, whose political career became nationally dominant, Oburu developed a career combining economics, government administration, parliamentary representation and regional East African politics. His academic background and years in government have made him one of Kenya’s more experienced political figures.
His parliamentary career has included nearly two decades representing Bondo, service as Assistant Minister for Finance, membership of the East African Legislative Assembly and his current position as Senator for Siaya. His transition from economist to elected politician demonstrates the breadth of his public-service career.
Oburu’s most significant recent chapter began after the death of Raila Odinga in 2025. His emergence as ODM leader placed him at the centre of the party’s future direction and Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election. His leadership represents a continuation of the Odinga family’s long involvement in Kenyan politics, while also establishing Oburu’s own place in the country’s political history.
Recent Health Update
Oburu Odinga’s health became a major subject of public attention in September 2026 after he briefly visited Nairobi Hospital. He subsequently said he had been discharged and was recovering at home, rejecting reports that he had been readmitted. He also described the hospital visit as a general medical check-up and urged the public not to rely on unverified reports.
On 10 September 2026, ODM confirmed that Oburu had travelled to the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up. Party officials said he was doing well and that the trip followed medical advice. Oburu himself said the trip was for a thorough routine medical assessment and a period of rest. No specific serious medical diagnosis has been publicly confirmed, so claims about a particular illness should be treated cautiously.
Conclusion
Oburu Odinga’s biography reflects more than seven decades of Kenyan history, from his upbringing as the son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to his development as an economist, government official, parliamentarian, senator and ODM leader. At 82, he remains an influential figure in Kenyan politics, particularly following the death of his brother Raila Odinga and his subsequent rise to the leadership of ODM. His academic achievements, lengthy public-service career, prominent family background and continuing political role ensure that Oburu Odinga remains an important figure in Kenya’s political history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oburu Odinga
Who is Oburu Odinga?
Oburu Odinga is a Kenyan politician, economist, Siaya County Senator and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He is the son of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and the elder brother of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
How old is Oburu Odinga?
Oburu Odinga was born on 15 October 1943. He is 82 years old as of September 2026 and will turn 83 on 15 October 2026.
Who is Oburu Odinga’s wife?
Oburu Odinga has publicly identified Dr Anne Ayoo Oburu as his first wife and Judith Oburu as his second wife. Anne is a paediatrician, while Judith has been described as an accountant.
How many children does Oburu Odinga have?
Oburu Odinga has publicly said that he has seven children. He generally keeps information about his children and wider family life private.
Who is Oburu Odinga’s famous brother?
Oburu Odinga’s most famous brother was Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya and longtime opposition leader. Raila died in October 2025.
What is Oburu Odinga’s education?
Oburu Odinga studied at Soviet Secondary School in Moscow before attending People’s Friendship University. He earned degrees in Economics, including a PhD in Economics from 1968 to 1970.
What is Oburu Odinga’s profession?
Oburu Odinga is a politician and economist. He is currently the Senator for Siaya County and leader of ODM. He previously worked as an economist, served as an MP, became Assistant Minister for Finance and served in the East African Legislative Assembly.
What is Oburu Odinga’s religion?
Oburu Odinga has publicly identified himself as an Anglican Christian.
What is Oburu Odinga’s net worth?
Oburu Odinga’s exact net worth has not been officially disclosed. Estimates found online are unofficial, and there is no authoritative public source confirming a specific figure.
Is Oburu Odinga still alive?
Yes. As of 15 September 2026, Oburu Odinga is alive and remains the Senator for Siaya County and ODM leader. Recent reports say he travelled to the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up.
Is Oburu Odinga sick?
Oburu recently underwent medical checks after a brief hospital visit in Nairobi. ODM later confirmed that he travelled to the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up. A specific serious medical condition has not been publicly confirmed.
What is Oburu Odinga’s Instagram handle?
Oburu Odinga’s publicly associated social-media identity is @DrOburu_O. This handle is widely associated with his political social-media communications.
What political party does Oburu Odinga lead?
Oburu Odinga is the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He assumed the party’s leadership after the death of his brother Raila Odinga and was formally confirmed as party leader in 2026.