Kenya, April 22 -- President William Ruto has chosen Jaoko Oburu Odinga, the son of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, to be a special advisor in the Office of the President.

On April 22, Jaoko expressed his gratitude to President Ruto for giving him the chance to help Kenyans as a Special Advisor for Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihoods.

He said, "I want to thank President William Ruto for letting me serve Kenyans in this role. Thank you, Your Excellency."

Jaoko also thanked his uncle, Raila Odinga, for believing in him. He mentioned that Raila has created a good environment for all Kenyans to work together for the good of the country.

He added, "I also want to thank the Right Honourable Prime Minister, Hon. Raila Odinga, for his support and for helping create a space where Kenyans from different backgrounds can collaborate for our beloved nation, Kenya. Thank you, Sir. God bless Kenya."

Jaoko is a businessman with a degree in accounting and finance from Saint Mary's University in Canada.

He used to work as a member of the Siaya County Executive Committee for Roads and Public Works under former Governor Cornel Rasanga. From 2013 to 2022, he was an advisor on investments and resource mobilization for Siaya County.

He also led a group called Friends of Baba Africa (FOBA), which supported Raila Odinga's campaign to become the chairperson of the African Union Commission.

The government has included many supporters of Raila Odinga in different roles.

The first group had John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, Ali Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Beatrice Askul Moe, who are now Cabinet Secretaries.

In March 2025, President Ruto appointed more people who support Raila to government jobs. Judith Pareno, who was the former chairperson of the ODM National Election Board, was made Principal Secretary for Justice, Human Rights, and Constitutional Affairs.

Caroline Karugu, who was the former deputy governor of Nyeri and helped in Raila's presidential campaign in 2022, was chosen to lead the State Department for East African Community matters.

Fikirini Jacobs, a youth leader from ODM, was appointed as Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs. Ruto also appointed Ahmed Abdisalan as Principal Secretary for National Government Coordination.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.