This archive report was first published on 5 November 2021.
On October 2021, the Nairobi County Assembly approved a motion to rename Mbagathi Way after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The decision was met with widespread approval from Kenyans online, who felt the ODM leader deserved the honour.
According to Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok, who moved the motion, Raila deserved the recognition for his contributions to the country's democratic and economic development. Imwatok noted that deserving leaders should be recognised while they are alive, not when they die.
“He fought for greater democratic space, good governance, rule of law and development of infrastructure, including detention without trial for 10 years,” Imwatok said.
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.
It is worth noting that Raila Odinga had previously 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 minimum maintenance, although they are 40 to 50 per cent more expensive to construct compared to traditional bitumen roads.
