From Fisherman to Raila Aide: Silas Jakakimba Reflects on His 19 Years with Odinga and Why He Joined UDA

Today, the lawyer and political strategist is in a different political camp.

Now serving as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary for Homa Bay County, Jakakimba says his next focus is winning the Suba North parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on his political journey, Jakakimba traced his rise from a fishing village in Homa Bay to the heart of Kenya's opposition politics.

Born on Island in Mfangano, Jakakimba says he was raised by his grandmother after losing his mother at a young age. Financial hardship forced him to drop out of school and work as a fisherman before well-wishers sponsored his education.

He later joined the University of Nairobi's Parklands Law Campus, where his involvement in student leadership and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Youth League introduced him to Raila Odinga.

"I was introduced to Jakom by his late security aide, George Oduor, after a public lecture. That meeting changed my life," he said.

Jakakimba says serving Odinga demanded total commitment but also gave him a close view of the veteran politician's leadership.

"Raila Odinga was a very generous human being. I witnessed it every day for over 18 or 19 years. Every morning there was a briefcase meant to support wananchi. By evening, it was empty,” he said.

He revealed that he first sought to leave the role in December 2017, but Odinga asked him to remain as the country navigated a difficult political period.

"He asked me to stay because there was still important work to be done,” he explained.

Jakakimba remained in the role until after the 2022 General Election.

Jakakimba says his decision to back President William Ruto and later join UDA was based on what he believed was the country's political direction rather than personal differences with his former boss.

"I spoke about two things, why Kenya needed to support William Ruto to ground transformation, and why Mr. Odinga needed to focus on Africa,” he said.

He says he informed Odinga of his decision before publicly declaring his support for UDA in 2023.

"There was no bad blood. I thanked him before making my decision public."

Now positioning himself for the Suba North parliamentary race, Jakakimba says his campaign will focus on expanding economic opportunities, creating jobs for young people and improving access to empowerment programmes.

His campaign is anchored on what he calls the diet agenda, which he says represents a shift in the constituency's development priorities.

"By diet, I mean the development software of Suba North must change. We need a recalibration."

The move marks a significant political shift for a man whose public career was largely defined by his years alongside Raila Odinga, but who is now seeking his own political mandate under the UDA banner.