Oburu Odinga, the elder brother to Azimio La Umoja presidential aspirant, Raila Odinga, has opened up on his relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking to KTN News on Friday, March 25, the member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), noted that he does not share a personal relationship with the Head of State like his brother.
The elder Odinga noted that he shared a cordial connection with Uhuru when they both served in the Grand Coalition government. Oburu was Uhuru's assistant at the Ministry of Finance in a government that was shared between Raila and President (Rtd) Mwai Kibaki.
However, their relationship started to deteriorate immediately Uhuru clinched the presidency in 2013, forming the government with William Ruto as his deputy.
Oburu, who is seeking to replace James Orengo as the next Siaya Senator, added that despite the handshake between his brother and Uhuru, his relationship with the Head of State has never been re-established.
"I support the President because we used to work together at the Treasury, we had very cordial relationship then, but since he became President, I have not interacted with him. So I cannot talk of a personal relationship with him, because I don't interact with him much, it is Raila who does that," Oburu remarked.
Oburu has also been vocal in calling out Ruto, making it clear that he does not share a personal relationship with him either.
"I have not interacted with him since those days when he was in the Cabinet and I was an assistant minister. I have not associated with him much," he stated.
At the same time, Oburu opened up on family pressure that may be pitting him against his brother, Raila, who is contesting for the presidency for the fifth time. Oburu made it clear that he is not under any pressure to vie or leave behind a legacy being the elder brother.
"You mean political pressure or jealousy over my brother’s achievements? Well, there is neither pressure nor jealousy on my end, because we are not in competition with Raila."
The former Bondo MP also defended his senatorial bid, noting that he wants to be at the center of decision making when his brother clinches the presidency.
"My role is complementary. I want, for instance, to be Senator because Raila is going to be President. Senate is where all the stakes in the presidency are nurtured, negotiated and protected. It is important for the President to have reliable supporters in this House and that is why I am offering myself for a seat in the Senate," Oburu noted.
