- Jaoko Oburu Odinga, son of Senator Oburu Odinga, appointed Special Advisor by President Ruto.
- His new role focuses on Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihoods.
- He expressed gratitude to both President Ruto and Raila Odinga.
- Jaoko previously campaigned for Raila and founded FOBA to support his AU bid.
- He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from St. Mary’s University, Canada.
Jaoko Oburu Odinga, son of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, has secured a high-level role in the Kenya Kwanza administration after being appointed by President William Ruto as the Special Advisor on Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihoods.
He made the announcement via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, April 22, expressing his gratitude for the trust placed in him.
Appreciation to Ruto and Raila
In his message, Jaoko thanked President Ruto for giving him the opportunity to serve the country, describing the appointment as a chance to contribute towards building Kenya.
“I wish to take this opportunity to give special thanks to H.E. President William Samoei Ruto for granting me an opportunity to serve Kenyans,” he posted.
He also extended appreciation to ODM leader Raila Odinga, highlighting the environment of collaboration he has fostered for Kenyans from various political backgrounds.
“Thanks also go to the Right Honourable Prime Minister, Hon. Raila Odinga, for showing his faith in me and creating a conducive environment for Kenyans from all walks of life to work together.”
From Campaigns to Continental Advocacy
Jaoko is no stranger to politics. In the 2022 general election, he was actively involved in mobilizing support for Raila Odinga’s presidential bid. More recently, in 2024, he founded the Friends of Baba (FOBA), a lobby group aimed at rallying international support for Raila’s campaign to become the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Academic Background
Jaoko holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a major in Accounting and Finance, from St. Mary’s University in Canada—credentials that align with his new advisory role in the government.
Jaoko’s appointment marks an interesting moment of political crossover, bringing together figures from both ends of the political spectrum in a shared effort to steer Kenya forward.
