Editor's Review
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has provided an update on the health of ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga following claims circulating on social media that he had died.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has provided an update on the health of ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga following claims circulating on social media that he had died.
In an update on Tuesday, October 6, Wanga dismissed the death claims, saying she had visited Oburu on Tuesday evening and found him in good spirits as he continues to recover.
The governor said Oburu was making steady progress and urged Kenyans to continue praying for his full recovery.
"My party leader Oburu is recovering steadily. I was with him this evening and he is in high spirits. We continue to pray for his full recovery," she wrote.
Earlier Tuesday, ODM Party Communication Director Phillip Etale said Oburu had returned to the country from the United Kingdom (UK) where he had travelled for a routine medical checkup.
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He said he spoke to Oburu on Monday evening, October 5.
"Oburu is back. He went to Nairobi Hospital for a checkup the day before yesterday. You know, at his age, he is an old man; there is no alarm.
"I have seen people on social media trying to blow things out of proportion. Oburu is okay. I spoke to him last evening," he said.
However, the ODM Communication Director said Oburu will not be actively involved in politics over the next few weeks.
Etale said the ODM leader is expected to return to active politics in due course.
"He will bounce back, although for the next few weeks he will not be actively involved in politics, but he will be back in the fullness of time," he added.
Oburu flew to the UK in the beginning of September for a medical checkup and a period of rest.
In a statement on Thursday, September 10, Oburu said the decision to travel was made following advice from his doctors and the party leadership.
"I am currently in the United Kingdom (UK) to undergo a thorough, routine medical checkup.
"This visit follows the direct advice of both my doctors and the party leadership to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of my health, while allowing me a dedicated period of rest and rejuvenation," he wrote.
Oburu said the medical break was also an opportunity to reflect on the future of ODM and the party's ability to operate effectively through its established structures.
"As I attend to these personal health routine checks that naturally come with advancing years, I view taking this step back as a deliberate, strategic moment for our movement," he added.
Oburu said ODM was undergoing a period that would test its institutional strength and preparedness, adding that he welcomed the challenge as an opportunity for the party to demonstrate its resilience.
"This is a time of transition, where the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is being tested on its readiness and preparedness on institutionalism. I welcome this test.
"A true voice of the people and a mature political movement must be anchored upon strong, resilient structures that outlast us all," he further said.
