Ruto’s chief economic advisor, David Ndii, has defended Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga following sharp criticism from lawyer Miguna Miguna over his academic and political history.
Ndii emphasized Oburu’s professional contributions in the 1980s, highlighting his work in shaping national development strategies.
Speaking on Saturday, Ndii clarified that Oburu served as an economist in Kenya’s Ministry of Planning, a role that involved significant policy formulation and economic planning responsibilities.
“Oburu Odinga was an economist in the Ministry of Planning in the 1980s,” Ndii said, noting that his work contributed to the country’s development framework at the time.
Miguna Miguna had earlier taken to X to challenge Oburu’s academic credentials and political record.
Miguna questioned the legitimacy of Oburu’s PhD from the former U.S.S.R., claimed he never taught in schools, and suggested he relied heavily on the Odinga family legacy for political influence.
He further accused Oburu of opportunism during critical moments in Kenya’s political history, including the 1982 political crackdown and later ODM party developments.
Ndii’s remarks aim to offer a counter-narrative, underlining Oburu’s professional experience beyond his family connections.
By referencing his tenure in the Ministry of Planning, Ndii emphasized that Oburu had substantive contributions to Kenya’s governance and economic policy, particularly during a period when the country faced significant planning and development challenges.