Kenyan Senator Oburu Oginga has explained his decision to resign as chairperson of the Senate Energy Committee, citing the need to focus on his new role as leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. According to Oburu, he stepped down to avoid being overwhelmed by parliamentary responsibilities and his party leadership duties. He emphasized that he wanted to ensure neither Parliament nor ODM suffered from his divided attention.
Oburu made these remarks while hosting National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and a delegation of legislators at his Nairobi home, where he is currently recuperating after being discharged from hospital. During the meeting, he expressed gratitude to the leadership of both Houses for accommodating his absence during his illness. Oburu also thanked them for their support while he was undergoing treatment, including time in the intensive care unit.
The ODM leader revealed that he is undergoing physiotherapy and receiving round-the-clock care from nurses as he continues his recovery. He expressed confidence that he would return to parliamentary debates and active politics soon. Oburu also mentioned that reports declaring him dead while he was hospitalized had strengthened his resolve to recover. He stated that those who had written him off were the ones who gave him the strength to stand up.
National Assembly Speaker Wetang'ula urged Oburu to prioritize his health and avoid rushing back into political engagements before making a full recovery. Senate Speaker Kingi echoed these sentiments, stating that the Senate fraternity missed Oburu's contributions to parliamentary proceedings and national political discourse. Kingi expressed hope that Oburu would resume his duties soon.
The delegation that visited Oburu included Senate Chief Whip David Wakoli, Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, Senators William Kisang and Daniel Maanzo, National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, Parliamentary Commissioner Mishi Mboko, and MP Eve Obara. Oburu had formally sought permission from the Speaker when he fell ill and needed hospital treatment, dismissing suggestions that he had simply abandoned his parliamentary duties.
Oburu's decision to resign as Senate Energy Committee chair was made to ensure that his duties as ODM leader did not conflict with his parliamentary responsibilities. He stated that he did not want to do any work haphazardly and therefore chose to step down as chairperson. Although he is no longer chairperson, Oburu remains a member of the committee.
As Oburu continues his recovery, he is expected to resume his duties as ODM leader and Senate member. His resignation as Senate Energy Committee chair has allowed him to focus on his party leadership duties. Key stakeholders, including National Assembly Speaker Wetang'ula and Senate Speaker Kingi, have welcomed Oburu's decision and expressed their support for his recovery and return to parliamentary duties.
Key points
- Oburu Oginga resigned as Senate Energy Committee chair to focus on his role as ODM party leader.
- Oburu is currently recovering at home after being discharged from hospital.
- National Assembly Speaker Wetang'ula and Senate Speaker Kingi have urged Oburu to prioritize his health and avoid rushing back into political engagements.
