Oburu Odinga Biography
Oburu Odinga is a Kenyan politician and the elder brother of Raila Odinga. He has played a significant role in Kenya’s political landscape, serving in various government positions.
Early Life & Education
Born on October 15, 1943, in Kenya.
Son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President.
Attended Soviet Secondary School in Moscow, Russia from 1962 to 1964.
Earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics from People’s Friendship University in 1967.
Completed a PhD in Economics from the University of People’s Friendship in 1970.
Political Career & Leadership
Senator for Siaya County (2022–Present) – Elected in the August 2022 elections.
Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (2017–2022) – Represented Kenya in regional governance.
Assistant Minister for Finance (2008–2013) – Served in the Grand Coalition government.
Member of Parliament for Bondo Constituency (1994–2013) – Took over the seat previously held by his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Economist in the Ministry of Planning and National Development (1981–1994) – Worked on economic policies and development strategies.
Councilor in Kisumu Municipality (1974) – Began his political career.
Personal Life & Family
Married to Anna Oburu.
Has several children, including Jaoko Oburu Odinga.
Authored his autobiography, “In the Shadow of My Father”, in 2021, detailing his life and political journey.
Net Worth & Business Ventures
Holds shares in East African Spectre, a leading gas cylinder manufacturing company.
His wealth comes from family-owned enterprises and political engagements.
Oburu Odinga remains a key figure in Kenyan politics, contributing to economic policies and governance reforms.
Oburu Odinga Age
Oburu Odinga was born on October 15, 1943, making him 81 years old as of 2025.
Oburu Odinga Education
Oburu Odinga has an extensive educational background in economics, which shaped his career in government and policy-making.
Educational Background
Secondary Education: Attended Soviet Secondary School in Moscow, Russia from 1962 to 1964.
Undergraduate & Postgraduate Studies: Earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics from People’s Friendship University in 1967.
Doctorate Degree: Completed a PhD in Economics from the University of People’s Friendship in 1970.
His education provided him with a strong foundation in economic policy, which later influenced his political career.
Oburu Odinga Religion
Oburu Odinga was baptized in a dramatic ceremony where his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, insisted on giving him a non-traditional name during the baptism. His father rejected conventional Christian names, instead choosing Ng’ong’a Molo Oburu, named after a respected chief.
This event highlights the Odinga family’s unique approach to religion, blending traditional African values with Christianity.
Oburu Odinga Net Worth
Oburu Odinga’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, but his wealth primarily comes from family-owned enterprises and political engagements.
Sources of Wealth
Business Ventures – He holds shares in East African Spectre, a leading gas cylinder manufacturing company.
Political Career – His long-standing role in Kenyan politics has contributed to his financial success.
Government Positions – He has served in various leadership roles, including as Senator for Siaya County and Assistant Minister for Finance.
While his exact net worth remains undisclosed, his career trajectory suggests financial stability and long-term success.
Oburu Odinga Wife
There is limited publicly available information about Oburu Odinga’s wife. However, reports indicate that he is married and has children, including Jaoko Oburu Odinga.
Oburu Odinga Children
Oburu Odinga has several children, including Jaoko Oburu Odinga. However, there is limited publicly available information about his other children or their personal lives.
Oburu Odinga Social Media Followers
Oburu Odinga has a moderate social media presence, particularly on Twitter/X, where he engages with supporters and shares political updates.
Social Media Following
Twitter/X: He has approximately 47.3K followers, making him a recognized political figure online.
Other Platforms: While exact numbers are not publicly available, he has a presence across multiple platforms, where he shares political insights and governance discussions.
Oburu Odinga continues to use social media as a tool for political engagement, connecting with supporters and the public.
Oburu Odinga Achievement
Oburu Odinga has had a long and impactful political career, contributing to economic policies, governance, and regional development.
Major Achievements
Senator for Siaya County (2022–Present) – Elected in the August 2022 elections, representing Siaya County in the Kenyan Senate.
Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (2017–2022) – Represented Kenya in regional governance, focusing on economic and political integration.
Assistant Minister for Finance (2008–2013) – Served in the Grand Coalition government, contributing to financial policy reforms.
Member of Parliament for Bondo Constituency (1994–2013) – Took over the seat previously held by his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and worked on development projects.
Economist in the Ministry of Planning and National Development (1981–1994) – Worked on economic policies and development strategies.
Councilor in Kisumu Municipality (1974) – Began his political career, advocating for local governance improvements.
Author of “In the Shadow of My Father” (2021) – Published his autobiography, detailing his life and political journey.
Oburu Odinga remains a key figure in Kenyan politics, shaping economic policies and governance reforms.
