3 members of Odinga family picked by Ruto for top govt jobs
The 2022 General Elections saw President William Ruto locked in a fierce political contest with former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga with the former emerging victorious.
When the dust settled and as Ruto assembled his team to deliver his vision for the country, as well as in the subsequent reorganisation of government, the head of state settled on several members of the Odinga family who have impressive credentials and are distinguished professionals.
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Ruto’s nomination of Mama Ida Odinga for appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Friday, January 23, 2026, placed her on the path to joining a growing list of members of the larger Odinga family picked by the president to join his administration.
Mama Ida Odinga
Mama Ida whose name was transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament, has since expressed gratitude, noting that the nomination is an honour.
“Thank you very much to those who have congratulated me on this new appointment. To me, it is an honour, and I’m happy about it. But of late, I have been going through some challenges,” Mama Ida said during a church service at PEFA Thika on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Mama Ida is a distinguished educationist, civic leader, and advocate for social justice and gender equity who has shaped Kenya for over a decade.
Jaoko Oburu
Ruto appointed Jaoko Oburu Odinga, the son of Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga to serve as his adviser on Economic Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihoods.
Jaoko joined a growing number of Ruto’s advisors at a time when focus was on the bloated wage bill, with the same featuring in the protests that rocked the country in June 2024, and the president promising to trim down his advisors.
He was appointed for a three-year term via a gazette notice dated April 22, 2025.
“I wish to take this opportunity to give special thanks to President William Samoei Ruto for granting me an opportunity to serve Kenyans by appointing me to serve in the capacity of Special Advisor, Economic Empowerment, and Sustainable Livelihoods. Thank you, Your Excellency,” Jaoko stated, accepting the appointment.
Wenwa Odinga
Raila’s sister, Wenwa Odinga, was among the first to find her footing in government. With a distinguished career and impressive credentials, Ruto picked Dr Wenwa Akinyi Oranga Odinga to serve as the chair of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMRI) Board.
Her appointment was made via a gazette notice on Friday, November 15, 2024, marking another chapter in her illustrious career as she joined Ruto’s administration.
Wenwa, who was the first Kenyan woman to obtain a doctorate degree in chemistry, having graduated with a PhD in Organic/Natural Products Chemistry from the University of Nairobi in 1989, was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of KEMRI in 2021.
Prior to Ruto’s appointment, Governor Gladys Wanga had appointed her to serve in the Homabay County Revenue Board in January 2023.
