Senate Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has rejected suggestions that Senator Oburu Odinga has abandoned his parliamentary responsibilities, saying the lawmaker is carrying out his work from home, The Star, Kenya reported on Wednesday.
According to The Star, Kenya, Wetang'ula's remarks came in response to concerns about Oburu's prolonged absence from the Senate. The Speaker's position is that the legislator remains engaged with his duties despite not being physically present in the chamber.
The clarification follows a period in which Oburu has been absent from public and political events. The Star, Kenya also reported that Gladys Wanga visited him and described him as strong and in very high spirits.
Separately, People Daily reported that Oburu addressed ODM supporters by phone after he missed an event in Nairobi's Jacaranda grounds. Nairobi Leo reported that he later spoke at his first ODM rally since being discharged from hospital, while The Star, Kenya reported that he thanked Kenyans for their support and promised to return to politics once he has recovered.
In the reporting carried by The Star, Kenya, a governor expressed gratitude for the reception he received and pledged to work with party leadership and members to strengthen the outfit.
The statements point to a legislator still connected to his party and constituents while managing his recovery away from the public eye.
What to watch next: whether Oburu returns to the Senate in person, and whether any formal communication is tabled on his attendance record.
