William Ruto calls for his sister Raila Odinga to grab a big job in the government

President William Ruto appointed Dr. Wenwa Akinyi Oranga Odinga to be the chairman of the Board of the Institute of Marine and Fisheries Research in the country (KEMRI) for a period of three years
Wenwa, Raila Odinga's sister, previously served on the board of the Kenya Medical Research Institute and was the first Kenyan woman to obtain a doctorate in chemistry
Apart from his appointment, Ruto appointed Evans Kidero, Teobald Wambugu and Thuo Mathenge to hold leadership positions in various government agencies
KEMRI focuses on marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, and biodiversity conservation, while Wenwa's expertise is expected to drive innovation.

President William Ruto has appointed Dr Wenwa Akinyi Oranga Odinga, the former prime minister's sister Raila Odingato be the chairman of the Board of the Institute of Aquatic and Fisheries Research in the country (KEMRI).

William Ruto has appointed Raila Odinga's sister Wenwa Akinyi for employment. Photo: Meshack Olang Kenya.
Source: UGC

Born to Mary Ajuma, the first wife of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Wenwa is the third born in his family, following his brothers Oburu Oginga and Raila Odinga.

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In the Gazette Notice of Friday, November 15, 2024, Ruto appointed Dr. Wenwa to the post, which he will hold for a term of three years. His term began immediately after it was announced.

“In exercising the authority given by section 6 (1) (a) of the Government Organizations Act, as read together with section 16 (2) and the Fourth Schedule of the Science, Technology and Innovation Act of 2013, I, William Samoa. Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Forces, has appointed Wenwa Akinyi Oranga (Dr.) as the Chairman of the Kenya Navy and the Fisheries Research Institute, for a period of three (3) years, starting from November 15 , 2024,” reads part of the government gazette notice.

KEMRI, an important institution in advancing scientific research, focuses on marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, environmental studies, and marine biodiversity conservation.

What are Wenwa's past roles in public service

Wenwa is no stranger to high positions; in 2023, governor of Homa Bay Gladys Wanga appointed him to the Public Service and Taxation Board of the County Assembly.

He previously served as a board member of the Kenya Medical Research Institute during the government of retired president Uhuru Kenyatta, an appointment made by former Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe in 2021.

Wenwa, a renowned tracer, was the first Kenyan woman to receive a doctorate in chemistry.