Oburu Odinga Speaks Out After Hospitalisation Reports Cause Concern
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has spoken out to reassure Kenyans that he is in good health following reports that he had been admitted to hospital.
Oburu said he was doing well and dismissed reports circulating online suggesting that he was seriously ill. The ODM leader explained that his visit to the hospital was only brief and was meant for a routine medical checkup with his doctors.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 1, Oburu thanked Kenyans for expressing concern about his health, saying he had seen the reports being shared across various digital news platforms.
He clarified that he had only gone to the hospital for a general checkup and had already returned to his home after being attended to by his doctors.
“Thank you for your concerns. I have read the nation’s digital news and wish to state that I am very well. I had only briefly visited the hospital for a general checkup with my doctors and have since returned home,” Oburu said.
The ODM leader also urged Kenyans not to panic whenever they hear that a public figure has visited a hospital, noting that falling sick or going for medical attention is a normal part of human life.
Oburu said that if he ever develops a serious health problem, he would personally inform Kenyans rather than allow speculation and rumours to spread.
“Being sick is a normal human experience and should not alarm anyone. The day I am truly sick, I will inform you all, for I am a very transparent person. Thanks for your concerns,” he added.
His remarks came as concerns about his health continued to spread on social media, with various reports suggesting that the veteran politician had been admitted to hospital after feeling unwell.
ODM Moves to Reassure Supporters
ODM Communications Director Philip Etale also moved to reassure party supporters and members of the public that Oburu was safe and recovering at home.
Etale revealed that the ODM leader was at his Kitisuru residence in Nairobi, where he was spending time with friends. He said Oburu was resting at home and was expected to resume his public activities in the coming days.
“The ODM Leader Dr Oburu is currently hosting friends at his Kitisuru residence in Nairobi. He has sent me to greet you all,” Etale said.
Etale further insisted that the ODM leader was in good condition and was simply taking some time to relax at home.
“The party leader is very much okay. Just at home relaxing and will be out in the coming few days. He is presently at his residence in Kitusuru,” he added.
The party official’s statement was intended to calm concerns among Kenyans who had been worried about Oburu’s health following the reports of his alleged hospitalisation.
Oburu also shared photographs from his home showing him relaxing with a friend in his sitting room. In one of the images, the friend could be seen reading a newspaper while Oburu appeared to be resting at home.
The photographs provided further reassurance to his supporters and appeared intended to show that he had already returned home and was in good condition.
Earlier Reports Sparked Concern
The latest clarification follows earlier reports that Oburu had been admitted to Nairobi Hospital after reportedly feeling unwell.
Some reports claimed that the Siaya Senator had been admitted on Saturday, August 23, and remained in hospital until Thursday, August 27, when he was reportedly discharged.
The reports further claimed that Oburu had experienced severe fatigue and that his doctors had advised him to take some time away from his busy schedule and concentrate on getting enough rest.
However, the reports created uncertainty after Oburu was seen in public shortly afterwards.
Before the latest rumours about his health began circulating, the ODM leader was seen playing golf on Saturday, August 29. Photographs shared online showed him participating in the game and appearing to be in good spirits.
Later that same evening, reports emerged claiming that Oburu had been rushed to hospital after reportedly feeling unwell.
The reports quickly attracted attention because of Oburu’s position as the leader of ODM and his long involvement in Kenyan politics. Many of his supporters and other Kenyans began expressing concern and seeking clarification about his condition.
There were also reports claiming that access to Oburu while he was allegedly in hospital had been restricted. According to those reports, only close family members and relatives were allowed to visit him regularly, with the restrictions reportedly being made on the advice of his medical team.
However, Oburu’s latest statement has sought to put those concerns to rest. The veteran politician maintains that he is well and that his hospital visit was simply a routine checkup.
His clarification, together with the statement from Etale and the photographs shared from his home, has helped ease concerns among Kenyans who had been following the reports about his health.
Join WANTAM Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
