Oburu Oginga hosted parliamentary leaders at his Nairobi home during his recovery.
The Siaya senator says he stepped down as chair to balance party duties and parliamentary work, but remains a committee member.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga says he resigned as Senate Energy Committee chairperson because his new party responsibilities demanded more time. However, the Siaya senator remains a member of the committee.
Oburu said he wanted to give both Parliament and ODM proper attention rather than risk handling either role poorly. He explained his decision while hosting parliamentary leaders at his Nairobi home, where he is recovering after hospital treatment.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi led the visiting delegation of legislators.
Why Oburu left the Senate Energy Committee chair
Oburu said the workload of steering ODM prompted him to reconsider his responsibilities as committee chair. He therefore stepped aside from the leadership position while retaining his place on the committee.
The senator also rejected suggestions that he had abandoned his parliamentary duties during his illness. He said he formally sought the Speaker’s permission when he became unwell and needed hospital care.
Oburu thanked the leadership of both Houses for accommodating his absence while he underwent treatment. In particular, he expressed gratitude for the support he received during his hospital stay, which included time in intensive care.
His explanation linked the chairmanship decision to party demands, while separately addressing his absence during treatment.
Speakers offer support during recovery
Meanwhile, Oburu said he was undergoing physiotherapy and receiving round-the-clock nursing care as his recovery continued. He described his strength as improving daily and expressed hope of returning to address the Senate soon.
He also voiced confidence that he would resume parliamentary debates and active political work. Oburu said claims that he had died during his hospitalisation had strengthened his determination to recover.
However, Wetang’ula urged him to put his health first and avoid rushing back into political engagements. The National Assembly Speaker encouraged him to make a full recovery before returning.
Kingi, meanwhile, said senators missed Oburu’s contributions to parliamentary proceedings and national political debate. He expressed hope that the ODM leader would resume his duties soon.
The delegation also included David Wakoli, Stewart Madzayo, William Kisang, Daniel Maanzo, Millie Odhiambo, Mishi Mboko and Eve Obara.
