'I’m not sick, I’m not abducted': Oburu addresses public concern over absence

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has finally spoken out amid growing speculation surrounding his absence from the public eye, assuring Kenyans that he is healthy, active and still firmly in control of party affairs.

Speaking to the press in Kisumu on Friday, Oburu dismissed claims that he was unwell or politically inactive, saying his reduced public appearances were deliberate and aimed at allowing the party structure to function independently.

“I want to thank Kenyans for their concern about my absence, and I want to assure them that I am up and about. I’m not abducted…I’m not sick…I’m quite okay,” said Oburu.

“It was just a bit of, not just rest, but also giving directions to our party here and there because our party was not absent…it is present fully, and it is doing its activities as normal.”

The ODM leader said the party does not revolve around one individual, insisting its structures remain functional even in his absence.

“Because we’re a structured party, we don’t depend on one person…we depend on the whole structure, and as long as it is functioning and things are working normally then I’m happy,” he said.

“Only if things are going wrong, then I come in very fast to negotiate and correct and move on. So I’m okay…I’m very okay…even this morning I was playing golf.”

His remarks came after days of speculation triggered by his absence from public engagements, including the party’s three-day retreat in Mombasa where ODM leaders met to discuss party unity amid internal wrangles.

Earlier on Friday, Oburu had also posted photos and a video of himself playing golf on his official X account, captioned: “Up and grateful!”

The appearance came hours after his office and ODM officials moved to dismiss reports in sections of the local media questioning his health and political relevance.

In a statement, the Communications Department in Oburu’s office termed reports suggesting a decline in his health or grip on party affairs as “malicious” and “entirely divorced from the truth.”

The office maintained that Oburu’s recent low profile was part of a deliberate political strategy designed to allow younger leaders within the party to take up more visible leadership roles.

“We wish to reassure our supporters, stakeholders, and the general public that the Party Leader is in excellent health, sound mind, and continues to provide steady leadership to our movement,” the statement read.

“Having mentored a formidable team of energetic leaders, he has made the conscious decision to take a ‘back seat’ in day-to-day partisan activities. The Leader’s recent shift in public profile is a result of a calculated and deliberate strategic transition.”

According to the statement, Oburu is now focused on providing ideological guidance and mentorship to the party leadership, leading sensitive pre-coalition negotiations, building political alliances and engaging in long-term policy and diplomatic consultations.

ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale had also sought to calm public concern earlier in the day, saying the party leader was “very okay.”

“When people start questioning about the whereabouts of somebody, that tells you how important that person is. We take pride in that,” said Etale.