ODM leader Oburu Oginga thanked John Methu for supporting him during his illness.
The ODM leader told senators that political differences had not weakened his friendship with DCP Secretary-General John Methu.
Oburu praises Methu for supporting him during illness, telling the Senate that their political differences never ended their friendship. The ODM leader said Nyandarua Senator John Methu regularly called and visited him while he recovered.
Oburu Oginga spoke on November 12, 2026, after spending several months in and out of hospital. Fellow senators welcomed his return with a standing ovation before he made his first political remarks since his illness.
Oburu praises Methu for friendship beyond politics
Oburu said Methu, the Democracy for Citizens Party secretary-general, maintained contact despite their sharp public exchanges. He explained that those disagreements concerned policies affecting Kenyans, rather than personal hostility.
Methu visited Oburu’s Karen residence on September 4, bringing two goats and two rams as goodwill gifts. The visit followed Oburu’s August hospital admission and coincided with DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua’s trip to the United States.
However, Oburu cautioned against treating political rivalry as a reason to abandon personal relationships. He said leaders could disagree on policy while remaining friends, especially because political circumstances could bring them together again.
He also highlighted his longstanding relationship with Wiper leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, describing him as a close friend and former adviser. Their friendship has continued despite political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
Hospital treatment and recovery
Oburu’s Senate appearance followed several health challenges this year, including a United Kingdom trip for medical checks and rest. On October 4, he entered Nairobi Hospital for observation and treatment related to hypertension and fatigue.
He also marked his 83rd birthday in hospital before leaving on October 19. After his discharge, he returned home to continue recovering under medical guidance.
His illness kept him away from important family and political engagements. Among them was the October 7 opening of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum, which he missed while recovering.
Oburu also missed political missions involving the broad-based government. Those activities brought President William Ruto, the United Democratic Alliance and ODM together as they campaigned across the country for Ruto’s second-term bid.
