By Team
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Dr Oburu Oginga’s absence from the three-day party strategic meeting raised serious concern about his whereabouts.
On Sunday, deputy party leader Simba Arati, while addressing the gathering, said Dr Oburu was expected today (Monday) to officially open the meeting.
And today, Dr Oburu was absent at Mombasa’s White Sands Hotel, and his speech was read to the members, prompting the media to ask the ODM leadership about the whereabouts of the party leader.
Arati confirmed Oburu’s absence, saying he was engaged elsewhere attending to national and party matters.
“The party leader was held up elsewhere and was unable to attend today’s meetings. But his official speech was read to you,” he said.
But sources revealed to Western Insight that Dr Oburu was last week admitted to a Nairobi hospital for a routine medical check-up.
Sources revealed that Oburu was discharged from the hospital and was asked by his doctors to take bed rest.
But Chief of Staff Mr Michael Agwanda said the party leader was fine and was in good health.
“The party leader is around attending to other duties. He is in robust health,” he said.
At the weekend, Oburu did not attend the burial of the father of Seme MP James Nyikal, Mzee Nyikal Okaka.
In his speech, Oburu apologized to members following his absence during the important function.
“First, allow me to sincerely apologize for my absence from this special occasion. I had fully planned to attend this retreat, but due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, I have been unable to do so,” he wrote.
Oburu termed the meeting as very important to the party and asked the members to deliberate wisely.
“Though I may not be with you physically, I am with you in spirit and will closely follow the deliberations of this important meeting. It is my hope that all matters arising from this gathering will be addressed constructively and resolved amicably. I therefore encourage all distinguished members to engage freely in discussions, deliberate wisely, and strategize effectively on the way forward as we steer this great party to even greater heights,” he said.
