ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga/XODM party leader Oburu Odinga has dismissed speculation about his health and whereabouts during his prolonged absence from public life, insisting he had no obligation to disclose his illness.
Speaking while in hospital on Thursday evening, Oburu said he had been unwell like any other Kenyan but maintained that his medical condition was a private matter.
“Those spreading rumours about me, here I am!” he declared during his first public appearance in a long time.
The Siaya Senator expressed disappointment with those who had speculated about his condition, saying some had even appeared happy that he was sick.
“I've been sick like any other Kenyan can be sick, and like any other human being can be sick,” he said.
“And even those who are saying, who are happy that I'm sick, those who are sarcastic about it, may the Lord help them. May the Lord help them.”
Oburu maintained that his absence from public view should not have prompted speculation about his health or whereabouts, arguing that individuals were entitled to keep their medical conditions confidential.
“Sickness is not public. I have no obligation whatsoever to announce my sickness. Nobody has an obligation to announce or make public their illness,” he stated.
The ODM leader acknowledged that he was still recovering but sought to reassure those who had questioned his whereabouts that he was alive and making progress.
“So, if I did not make public my illness, or it was not known to some people where I was, they should know here I am, and I'm in one piece. And I'm not quite well, but I think I'm on the way there,” he said.
His remarks came after a prolonged absence from the public political arena that had fuelled questions about his health and whereabouts.
Despite expressing disappointment with those who had speculated about his condition, Oburu remained optimistic about his recovery, saying he was not yet fully well but was gradually getting better.
The ODM leader marked his birthday on October 15 as he continued to recover.
The occasion also coincided with the date his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was commemorated, although the final details of the event were not included in the available text.
