Senate Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has said Oburu Odinga has not walked away from his Senate responsibilities and is instead carrying out his work from home, The Star, Kenya reports. The statement, published on Wednesday, responds to questions about the lawmaker's absence from the Senate.
The clarification comes amid wider public attention on Oburu's health and his public appearances. Gladys Wanga visited him and said he was strong and in very high spirits, according to The Star, Kenya.
Oburu has also been heard publicly since being discharged from hospital. People Daily reported that he addressed ODM supporters by phone after missing an event at Nairobi's Jacaranda grounds, while Nairobi Leo reported on his first ODM rally address since leaving hospital.
According to The Star, Kenya, Oburu thanked Kenyans for their support and promised to return to politics once he has recovered. In a separate report, a governor thanked people for the reception he received and pledged to work with party leadership and members to strengthen the outfit.
The sequence of reports points to a lawmaker still recovering but in contact with his party and supporters, with the Speaker's remarks aimed at ending suggestions that he has abandoned his Senate role.
What to watch next: whether Oburu returns to the Senate in person, and whether he resumes public ODM appearances as his recovery continues.
