Oburu out of hospital, resting at home but no visitors allowed
Dr Oburu Oginga cuts a cake with some family members and doctors at the Nairobi hospital where is recuperating.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga is recuperating at his Nairobi home after being discharged from Nairobi Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment.
The 83-year-old veteran politician was discharged on Monday morning but remains under close medical monitoring and has been advised to rest before resuming public engagements, according to a source close to him.
“Daktari (Dr Oginga) is in high spirits and doing fine. He was discharged on Monday, but that does not mean visitors should flock to his home to see him. He is still under strict monitoring and resting as advised by his doctors,” the source, who spoke in confidence, told the Nation.
He added: "He will have a good rest and will not resume public activities until he is given a clean bill of health. However, Kenyans should know that he is fine and has improved a lot, which is why he was discharged.”
On October 15, Dr Oginga dismissed rumours and concerns over his health during a brief birthday celebration at the hospital, where he turned 83.
He said he had been unwell like any other person and criticised those who had spread unverified reports about his condition.
“For those who have been spreading rumours that I’m lost, here I am. I have been sick like any other human being and Kenyan. There are those who are happy and sarcastic that I’m sick. May the Lord help them,” he said.
Dr Oginga added that illness was a private matter and that he was under no obligation to publicly announce his condition.
“Sickness is not public, and I have no obligation to announce my sickness or make public my illness. Here is where I am, and I am on the way to recovery,” he said.
His birthday coincided with the first anniversary of the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose memorial was held at Migwena grounds in Bondo Constituency.
Due to his illness, Dr Oginga missed several events leading up to the anniversary, including activities commemorating Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s political and social development.
At the memorial, his message was read by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, as members of the Odinga family conveyed his goodwill to those attending the ceremony.
The Siaya Senator, who has served six terms in Parliament and was a member of the East African Legislative Assembly from 2017 to 2022, has also been absent from ODM memorial events held across the country this month.
In his absence, Mr Arati and ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga have taken leading roles in party activities as the outfit seeks to consolidate its position following Raila’s death.
In his absence, a lot has happened politically in the larger Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family, where divisions have been laid bare.
EALA MP Winnie Odinga, Raila's daughter who is also the ODM leader's niece, has indicated her inclination towards the Linda Mwananchi faction of the opposition and declared interest in running for Senate in Nairobi.
Meanwhile, his sister, Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga, has said she is ready to pursue her political ambitions outside the ODM party.
His nephew Raila Junior and son Jaoko Oburu, however, have vowed to support President William Ruto’s reelection.
The duo also visited Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya at his Mabole home in Butere two weeks ago, where the experienced politician agreed to support their bid for Kibra and Bondo parliamentary seats.
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