Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga on Wednesday urged President William Ruto to apply what he called a “benevolent dictatorship” as he makes difficult decisions.
The Siaya senator said bold and firm leadership is crucial to securing Kenya’s economic future. He said he had shared candid advice with Ruto, urging him to stay consistent in pursuing policies that protect the country’s long-term interests.
“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.
Speaking after witnessing progress on the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill at State House, Oburu said the proposed law could become one of Kenya’s most significant economic reforms. He said it would put in place a structured framework for managing national wealth and help insulate the economy from future shocks.
A Personal Connection to the Idea
Oburu added that the legislation holds personal significance for him. He recalled that he first encountered the idea of a sovereign wealth fund during a visit to Botswana while he served as Assistant Minister for Finance.
Senator Oburu said his training in economics helped him recognize then the transformative potential a sovereign wealth fund could bring to Kenya’s long-term development.
He argued that such a fund would do more than manage public finances. Instead, Oburu said it would strengthen fiscal resilience by placing national resources into strategic pillars and creating a buffer against external economic shocks.
“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,” Oburu said.
He added that the law would deliver long-term domestic funding for priority development projects, which he said would improve living standards for Kenyans in all parts of the country.
Tthe new law establishes a structured system for managing Kenya’s national wealth by setting aside savings for future generations, supporting economic stabilization, and funding strategic infrastructure investments. The framework is poised to improve financial resilience and promote more prudent use of public resources.
