President Ruto Appoints Oburu’s Son Jaoko as Special Advisor

President William Ruto has appointed Jaoko Oburu Odinga, eldest son of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, as a Special Advisor in the Office of the President, marking another strategic inclusion of opposition figures into his administration.

The announcement complements Ruto’s ongoing broad-based government efforts to expand his political base following a pact between his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Jaoko is a seasoned businessman and former Siaya County Executive Committee member for Roads and Public Works under ex-Governor Cornel Rasanga.

The specific scope of his advisory position remains undisclosed.

The appointment is likely to spark mixed reactions, with supporters viewing it as a pragmatic move to unify Kenya’s political landscape, while critics argue it prioritizes familial political dynasties over grassroots representation.

Jaoko’s uncle, Raila Odinga, has seen several allies join Ruto’s government since their 2024 truce.

This development follows a pattern of recent appointments, including those of other ODM affiliates, as Ruto seeks to bolster his administration amid economic challenges and public pressure.

In the run-up to the 2022 General Election, Jaoko shelved his ambitions to contest for the Langata parliamentary seat to focus on his father’s and uncle’s campaigns.

Jaoko was also said to be eyeing the Bondo parliamentary seat, a position his father held for over two decades. Oburu served as Bondo MP for four terms between 1994 and 2013, before he was replaced by Dr. Gideon Ochanda who is now serving his third term.

Jaoko previously led the Young Turks Handshake Alliance that rallied youths to vote for Mr. Odinga, and was joined by his brother Elijah Oburu who lost in the ODM Kisumu Central Parliamentary seat primaries.