On November 20, 2018, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University announced that opposition leader Raila Odinga would be awarded an honorary degree in recognition of what it described as his contribution to society and public life.
The university said in an advert carried in the MyGov pages that the conferment would take place on December 14, 2018. It said Raila had made a mark in areas including infrastructure, settlement, science and environmental conservation.
Vice chancellor Stephen Agong’ said the institution considered Raila to fit its values and to have offered distinguished service in advancing learning and service to humanity.
“The university charter believes Raila ascribes to the values of the learning institution and has rendered distinguished service in the advancement of any branch of learning or service to humanity,” vice chancellor Stephen Agong’ said.
Agong added that Raila had met the requirements because of his contribution to public service, leadership and the expansion of democratic space in Kenya and the region.
The University Senate said it had determined that the Right Honourable Odinga was worthy of the conferment of an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Sciences (Honoris Causa).
The announcement came as part of the university’s formal notice ahead of the ceremony.
