Oburu breaks silence on health, hits out at rumour-mongers
Odinga has broken his silence over his prolonged absence from public life, dismissing speculation about his health and insisting that he has no obligation to disclose his medical condition as he continues his recovery.
Nairobi, Kenya - ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has responded to speculation about his health and whereabouts during his recent absence from public life, insisting that it is his right to keep his medical condition private. Speaking from the hospital on Thursday evening for the first time in a while, the Siaya Senator expressed disappointment with those who questioned his absence, accusing some of making sarcastic remarks about his illness.
Oburu emphasized that his condition was not unique and did not warrant the speculation surrounding his whereabouts. "I've been sick like any other Kenyan can be sick, and like any other human being can be sick," he stated. He also had a message for those who seemed to be pleased about his illness, urging God to help them. "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," he added. The ODM leader maintained that staying away from public engagements while unwell did not obligate him to explain his medical condition to the public. "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 reiterated.
Oburu directly addressed rumors surrounding his prolonged absence, reassuring the public that he was alive and on the path to recovery, though not yet fully healed. "Those spreading rumors about me, here I am!" he declared. He further noted: "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." Oburu's remarks came after an extended period away from the public political scene, during which his absence fueled questions about his health and location. The ODM leader celebrated his birthday on October 15 while continuing to recover, using his hospital appearance to address the speculation while firmly stating that his health was a private matter.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
