ODM leader Raila Odinga addressing journalists at his Capitol Hill office in Nairobi on November 15, 2024.
ODM leader Raila Odinga’s sister, Wenwa Akinyi, is the latest beneficiary of state appointments following Mr Odinga’s political truce with President William Ruto.
In his latest parastatal appointments, the President tapped individuals – some seen to be close to Mr Odinga – lending credence to the Orange Democratic Movement chief’s growing influence in government.
The appointments come amid reports that Dr Ruto plans to make major changes in his administration to align with the current political realities.
Mr Odinga has become a cog in the Kenya Kwanza administration following the formation of the broad-based government.
There is intense lobbying by individuals eyeing top state positions, including two vacant Cabinet and principal secretary slots.
Poll losers
The Interior and National Coordination docket is vacant following the naming of Prof Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President after the dismissal of Mr Rigathi Gachagua through impeachment.
The President is also expected to fill the Gender docket after MPs rejected Ms Stella Soi who had been nominated to the position.
Dr Wenwa will serve as the chairperson of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute for three years.
She has served in various government positions, including as a consular-general in Los Angeles, the US.
The President also named former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero the Kenya National Trading Corporation Board of Directors chairman for three years.
Dr Kidero has been in the cold after losing the Homa Bay governor contest to Ms Gladys Wanga in 2022.
He was among poll losers Dr Ruto appointed to serve as Chief Administrative Secretary last year, before the positions were quashed by courts.
In naming Dr Kidero, the President revoked the appointment of Mr Hussein Debasso, who has since been appointed by Public Service and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi as a member of the National Youth Service.
The appointments are contained in Friday’s issue of the Kenya Gazette.
“Gratitude to President Ruto and undertaking to deliver service with dedication and commitment to the Kenyan people in order to add value and make a difference,” Dr Kidero said following his appointment.
Mr Mark Chesergon will be the chairperson of the Kerio Valley Development Authority Board of Directors, Dr Nuh Nassir Abdi (Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre), Mr Mark Lomunokol (Sports Kenya), Dr Thuo Mathenge (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation), Mr Teobald Wambugu (Tana Water Works Development Agency) and Mr Lawrence Kuria (Hydrologist Registration Board).
Other appointments were made by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other CSs.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who was tapped from ODM by Dr Ruto, also made appointments.
Mr Wandayi appointed Mr Michael Rubia, Mr Albert Ojonyo and Mr Lokiru Ali Mohammed to serve on the board of the National Oil Corporation.
Last week, Mr Odinga held a meeting with former ODM officials now serving in the Cabinet.
He held talks with Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya (Co-operatives), Hassan Joho (Mining) and John Mbadi (Treasury) in Nairobi.
Sources say Dr Ruto is considering reshuffling his government. There are indications that the Public Service Commission would soon advertise for Principal Secretary positions amid reports of a mini Cabinet reshuffle.
The broad-based government means Mr Odinga and his troops would have to be accommodated, with reports that he may have been promised an additional Cabinet post and at least 10 PS slots.
The same is also expected to cascade to the level of heads of parastatals and even ambassadorial positions.
