By Erestinah Jane | July 8, 2026
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has urged President William Ruto to remain steadfast in implementing key economic reforms, saying transformative leadership sometimes requires difficult decisions that may not enjoy immediate political popularity.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the signing into law of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, Oburu defended the government’s ongoing fiscal and economic reforms, arguing that strong and consistent leadership is necessary to secure Kenya’s long-term economic growth and financial stability.
Addressing President Ruto during the ceremony, Oburu said:
“I encouraged the President to occasionally employ a level of ‘benevolent dictatorship’ to stand firm, push through vital policies, and not be swayed by short-term political noises if he wants to transform this country.”
The veteran politician made the remarks while applauding the enactment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, describing it as a landmark piece of legislation that will help Kenya manage strategic national resources more effectively and safeguard wealth for future generations.
Oburu said the new legal framework would enable the country to separate revenues into distinct funds for national savings, economic stabilization and strategic public investments, strengthening Kenya’s long-term fiscal resilience and reducing vulnerability to economic shocks.
He also defended the government’s push for increased domestic revenue mobilisation, including the introduction of infrastructure-related levies and other fiscal measures that have attracted public debate. According to the senator, such policies, though unpopular in the short term, are necessary to finance development projects, reduce reliance on external borrowing and place the country on a sustainable economic path.
Oburu argued that Kenya cannot achieve its development ambitions without making difficult financial decisions, adding that governments must sometimes prioritise long-term national interests over immediate political considerations.
His remarks come as the Kenya Kwanza administration continues to implement wide-ranging economic reforms aimed at improving public finances, increasing domestic revenue collection and supporting infrastructure development. Several of these measures have generated mixed reactions from the public, with supporters arguing they are necessary for fiscal sustainability while critics have raised concerns over the rising cost of living.
During the event, Oburu also reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to the broad-based government arrangement between the ruling administration and sections of the opposition. He said the party remains committed to working with the government to advance national development and promote political stability.
The senator maintained that cooperation between political leaders is essential to ensuring continuity in economic planning and implementing reforms that can benefit the country over the long term.
The Sovereign Wealth Fund Act establishes a legal framework for managing selected public revenues through dedicated investment and stabilization mechanisms. The government has said the fund is intended to promote prudent management of national wealth, enhance long-term savings and support strategic investments that will benefit both current and future generations.
Oburu’s comments add to the ongoing national conversation on the balance between decisive leadership, democratic governance and the implementation of far-reaching economic reforms as Kenya seeks to strengthen its economy and achieve sustainable development.
