Wetang’ula Says Oburu Is Working from Home as He Recovers, Dismisses Claims He Abandoned Senate Duties

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has moved to reassure Kenyans that ODM leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga remains engaged in parliamentary affairs despite his absence from regular public duties following a hospital stay.

Wetang’ula said Oburu had continued working from his Nairobi residence since leaving hospital, dismissing suggestions that the veteran politician had abandoned his responsibilities as a senator.

The remarks came on Wednesday, November 4, after Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi led a delegation of MPs and senators to visit Oburu at his home.

“Senator Oburu Oginga has been discharged from the hospital and is recuperating at his residence. He has not absconded from his parliamentary duties, he is working from home,” Wetang’ula said.

He said the delegation was encouraged by Oburu’s recovery and wished him well as he continues to regain his strength.

According to Wetang’ula, the ODM leader remained in good spirits during the meeting and entertained the visitors with his usual humour.

“True to his jovial nature, Hon. Oburu kept us entertained with his usual jokes and humour,” he said.

Wetang’ula added that Oburu was confident of returning to active duty, although he acknowledged that his illness had temporarily slowed his political activities.

The Speaker said he had advised the senator to put his health first and take enough time to recover before resuming his usual schedule.

What we know about Oburu’s recovery

Oburu was discharged from Nairobi Hospital on October 19, after being admitted earlier that month. Reports placed his admission on October 4, rather than October 2 as stated in some accounts.

His hospitalisation attracted public attention because it coincided with preparations for the first anniversary of the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Oburu turned 83 on October 15, the same date Raila died in 2025. He marked his birthday in hospital, sharing a message reflecting on the loss of his brother.

After his discharge, Oburu received several political visitors at his Nairobi residence. On October 22, ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati visited him, with photographs of the meeting shared by the party. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also visited him on October 29 and described him as being in high spirits.

These visits have offered glimpses of his recovery, although no detailed medical report or specific diagnosis has been made public.

What does working from home mean for his Senate role?

Wetang’ula’s comments are significant because Oburu holds two influential positions: he represents Siaya County in the Senate and leads ODM, one of Kenya’s major political parties.

His absence from public engagements has therefore drawn attention beyond his health, particularly as ODM continues to shape its political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

However, the statement that Oburu is working from home does not explain which parliamentary duties he has been performing remotely. It also does not confirm whether he has resumed formal participation in Senate sittings or when he is expected to return to the chamber.

That distinction matters. Remaining in contact with colleagues and receiving updates on parliamentary business is not necessarily the same as attending sittings and taking part in formal Senate proceedings.

Oburu has previously sought to reassure party members that ODM has functioning structures capable of running its affairs when he is away. His recovery period has also seen senior party officials continue with public engagements.

Leaders call for patience

Wetang’ula praised the legislators who joined the visit, saying their presence demonstrated solidarity across the two Houses of Parliament.

Oburu, in his own account of the meeting, thanked the parliamentary leaders for visiting and said their discussions covered national unity, peace and cohesion.

He urged political leaders to put aside partisan differences and give priority to the country’s interests.

For now, the message from the parliamentary leadership is that Oburu remains engaged while recuperating. But his return to a full public and parliamentary schedule will depend on his recovery, and no specific date has been announced.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.