Siaya County Senator Dr Oburu Odinga has stepped down as chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, citing personal circumstances beyond his control in an announcement that has drawn significant attention given the open secret surrounding his declining health.
Oburu, who also serves as Orange Democratic Movement party leader, made the announcement directly to committee members during a sitting on Tuesday, taking care to clarify that his departure should not be mischaracterised as a removal engineered by others.
RELATED:
“The reasons why I am vacating are beyond my own self-control. I have resigned. Nobody should say that I have been removed. There is no coup here. There is only a peaceful transfer, and whoever you elect will peacefully take over. I thank everyone once again,” Oburu said.
Following his announcement, members of the Senate Energy Committee moved swiftly to fill the vacancy, unanimously electing Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, who had been serving as vice chairperson, to take over the chairmanship. Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla was subsequently elected as the new vice chairperson, stepping into the position vacated by Kisang’s elevation.
Kisang acknowledged the significant weight of succeeding a figure of Oburu’s stature within ODM, striking a respectful and measured tone in his acceptance remarks.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank members of this committee for having confidence in me and electing me as the chair. I am taking over from the ODM party leader whose shoes are very big. We are going to use your guidance as our patron to ensure our people get power,” Kisang said.
Ogolla, in her own remarks, extended her gratitude to both Oburu and the ODM party for the opportunity to serve in the new role.
The resignation came just hours after Oburu was visibly unable to complete a speech due to failing eyesight, a moment that laid bare the extent of the health challenges the 83-year-old senator is currently battling.
Sources within ODM confirmed that the octogenarian has been dealing with a range of illnesses, and that his deteriorating condition was the primary reason behind his decision to relinquish one of the most powerful and lucrative positions available to a senator.
For a man who has spent decades at the centre of Kenyan politics, largely in the shadow of his more celebrated brother, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Tuesday’s resignation marks a quietly significant moment in the twilight of a long and eventful political career.
📌 Related Articles:
