Oburu Odinga Urges Ruto to Embrace ‘Benevolent Dictatorship’

NAIROBI, Kenya – ODM leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has urged President William Ruto to remain firm in implementing difficult but necessary policies, saying Kenya needs bold leadership to secure its long-term economic future.

Speaking on Wednesday after witnessing progress on the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill at State House, Oburu said the President should occasionally adopt what he described as a “benevolent dictatorship” to make decisions that serve the country’s best interests despite political opposition.

“I encouraged the President to occasionally employ a level of ‘benevolent dictatorship’ to stand firm, cut through the political noise, and make the hard, bold decisions necessary to achieve the absolute best for all Kenyans,” Oburu said.

The veteran politician argued that decisive leadership is essential for implementing transformative economic reforms, particularly those designed to strengthen Kenya’s financial stability.

Oburu singled out the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill as one of the country’s most significant economic reforms, saying it would establish a structured framework for managing national wealth while protecting the economy from future financial shocks.

He revealed that his support for the initiative dates back to his tenure as Assistant Minister for Finance, when he first learned about sovereign wealth funds during a visit to Botswana.

Drawing from his economics background, Oburu said he immediately recognised the potential such a fund could have in transforming Kenya’s long-term economic planning.

According to the senator, the proposed fund would go beyond managing public finances by creating a financial cushion against global economic volatility while providing sustainable domestic financing for priority national development projects.

“The Sovereign Wealth Fund is specifically designed to cushion our economy from volatile external shocks and unexpected economic downturns, while providing long-term, domestic financing for priority national development projects that will change lives across the country,” he said.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish three key pillars for managing Kenya’s national wealth, including savings for future generations, economic stabilisation and strategic infrastructure investments.

The fund will also invest surplus revenues generated from natural resources and other public assets, with the government arguing that the approach will ensure both current and future generations benefit from the country’s wealth.

The Bill further outlines governance structures intended to promote transparency, accountability and oversight in the management and investment of public resources.

The Sovereign Wealth Fund forms part of the government’s broader economic reform agenda aimed at strengthening public finance management, improving fiscal resilience and supporting sustainable national development.