ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga/HANDOUTOrange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has said party leader Oburu Oginga is recovering steadily and remains in high spirits.
Wanga said she visited the Siaya Senator on Tuesday evening and assured Kenyans that his condition was improving.
“My PL Dr Oburu is recovering steadily. I was with him this evening, and he is in high spirits. We continue to pray for his full recovery,” Wanga said.
Her update comes amid concerns over the health of the ODM leader after he recently sought medical attention at Nairobi Hospital.
ODM Director of Communication Philip Etale had earlier sought to reassure the public about Oburu’s health, saying the senator had gone to Nairobi Hospital for a routine check-up.
“Oburu is back. He went to Nairobi Hospital for a routine check-up, you know, at his age. He's an old man. There's no cause for alarm. I've seen people on social media, people in the media trying to blow things out of proportion. Dr Oburu is okay,” Etale said.
Etale also said Oburu would temporarily reduce his involvement in political activities before returning.
“He'll not be actively involved in politics for the next few weeks or so. He'll be back in the fullness of time,” he said.
Etale said Oburu was not rushed to hospital, dismissing reports suggesting that his visit was an emergency.
He said he had spoken to Oburu on Monday evening and confirmed that the senator had gone to Nairobi Hospital on Sunday for a routine check-up.
Etale also urged the public to verify information before sharing reports about the ODM leader’s health, amid reports circulating on social media and in sections of the media.
The communication director said Oburu’s temporary absence from active politics should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from party affairs, saying he would return to political activities in due course.
Etale also spoke about ODM’s October activities to commemorate the late former party leader Raila Odinga, saying the month had been dedicated by the party and the family to remembering him and the values and freedoms he fought for during his political career.
“It’s not festivities. It’s just a commemoration. It’s a month that the party and the family dedicated to Baba, and in fact the whole country has been invited to also remember Baba because he stood for many things,” Etale said.
