This archive report was first published on 5 November 2021.
On October 2021, the Nairobi County government took a significant step in honouring ODM leader Raila Odinga by renaming Mbagathi Way after him. This decision was made after the County Assembly approved a motion to rename the road in his honour.
During the debate, Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok emphasized that Raila deserved the recognition for his contributions to the country's democratic and economic development. He argued that deserving leaders should be acknowledged while they are alive, not after they pass away.
“He fought for greater democratic space, good governance, rule of law and development of infrastructure, including detention without trial for 10 years,” said Imwatok, who moved the motion.
Addressing the press after the House session, Imwatok promised to initiate talks with the executive to ensure the road was renamed. Nominated MCA Mary Arivisa also proposed that other public institutions along Mbagathi Way be renamed after the ODM leader.
“We had written to the Ministry of Education to rename Mbagathi Primary School to Raila Odinga Primary School, but it was a challenge since it was named after the road. Now that the name of the road will be changed, it shouldn’t be a problem,” she said.
Interestingly, Raila himself had commissioned the construction of the road in August 2005, using concrete and cement. Concrete roads are hailed as cost-effective in the long run, lasting for 40-50 years with minimal maintenance, despite being 40 to 50 per cent more expensive to construct compared to traditional bitumen roads.
Kenyan netizens praised the decision, stating that Raila deserved even more recognition. This move marks the fourth time a road has been renamed after a public figure in 2021.
