Oburu explains exit from Senate Energy Committee over ODM leadership workload

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 4 — ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga says he resigned as chairperson of the Senate Energy Committee to avoid being overwhelmed by parliamentary responsibilities and his new role steering the party.

Oburu said the decision was intended to ensure neither Parliament nor ODM suffered from his divided attention as he took on the demands of leading the party.

“I was the chair of Energy. I resigned from it just because of duty. I don’t want to do any work haphazardly. That’s why I thought my time was also taken a lot by the party, the new role I took of the party,” he said.

“I did not want Parliament to suffer or the party to suffer. So I thought of resigning, and I remain a member, but he took over the chairmanship,” he added.

The Siaya Senator made the remarks while hosting National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and a delegation of legislators who visited him at his Nairobi home, where he is recuperating following his discharge from hospital.

Oburu said he 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.

He thanked the leadership of both Houses for accommodating his absence during his illness, saying he was particularly grateful for the support he received while undergoing treatment, including time in the intensive care unit.

The ODM leader also revealed that he was undergoing physiotherapy and receiving round-the-clock care from nurses as he continued his recovery.

“I’m getting stronger and stronger by the day. I hope very soon I will be able to speak and stand up in Parliament and address my Speaker,” he said.

Oburu expressed confidence that he would return to parliamentary debates and active politics, saying reports declaring him dead while he was hospitalised had strengthened his resolve to recover.

“Those who said I had gone are the ones who gave me the strength to stand up,” he said.

National Assembly Speaker Wetang’ula urged him to prioritise his health and avoid rushing back into political engagements before making a full recovery.

Senate Speaker Kingi said the Senate fraternity missed Oburu’s contributions to parliamentary proceedings and national political discourse, expressing hope that he would resume his duties soon.

The delegation 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.

​Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.