Oburu Odinga steps down from ODM Party role

1ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga has temporarily stepped back from the party’s leadership duties as he travels in the United Kingdom (UK) for a routine medical checkup.In a statement posted on the official ODM Party X account, Oburu said the trip followed advice from his doctors and the party leadership, while also giving him time to rest.

Oburu explains UK medical trip

“I am currently in the United Kingdom (UK) to undergo a thorough, routine medical checkup,” Oburu said.“This visit follows the direct advice of both my doctors and the party leadership to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of my health, while allowing me a dedicated period of rest and rejuvenation.”Oburu said the medical checks were part of taking a temporary step back from his responsibilities as the party leader.“As I attend to these personal health routine checks, that naturally come with advancing years, I view taking this step back as a deliberate, strategic moment for our movement,” he said.“This is a time of transition, where the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is being tested on its readiness and preparedness on institutionalism. I welcome this test.”

Deputies to steer party affairs

Oburu said ODM has structures capable of keeping its operations running during his absence.“Our party possesses the internal mechanisms, the democratic maturity, and the systems to handle day to day activities seamlessly,” he said.He said the party’s national operations should continue “without a moment’s interruption.”Oburu identified Deputy Party Leaders Paul Simba Arati, the Kisii Governor, and Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, the Mombasa Governor, as the leaders who will help steer the party alongside the National Central Committee and secretariat.“The party has able stewards, of our Deputy Party Leaders, H.E. Paul Simba Arati (Governor, Kisii County) and H.E. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir (Governor, Mombasa County) working hand in hand with our highly capable National Central Committee and secretariat,” he said.

Oburu calls for unity

Oburu said he trusted the party’s leadership structures to manage its affairs while he is away.“As an elder who has walked this long journey with you, I have absolute faith in their collective leadership, discipline, and vision to steer our movement effectively,” he said.He urged ODM members and supporters to cooperate with the party officials handling its affairs.“I urge all party members, officials, and the millions of Kenyans who look to us for leadership to accord them the utmost cooperation, stay unified, and remain focused on our shared national goals,” Oburu said.He concluded: “Thank you for your continued prayers, goodwill, and unwavering support.”