Raila Odinga Way: Mbagathi Way Officially Renamed

City officials on Friday, November 5 replaced signs along what was once Mbagathi Way, following its official renaming to Raila Odinga Way.

Landmarks along the road include Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Memorial Hospital, Nyayo Highrise Estate, Riara University and Mbagathi County Hospital. The 4-Kilometre concrete stretch connects with Ngong’ Road and Lang’ata Road on either side.

The process of renaming the road began with a motion brought before the Nairobi County Assembly by Minority Whip Peter Imwatok. He highlighted the fact that planning and construction of the road was undertaken during Odinga’s stint as Public Works Minister in former President Mwai Kibaki’s first term.

The motion also noted other accomplishments by the former Prime Minister including his contribution to infrastructure development and fight for the expansion of the democratic space in Kenya, which included detention for 10 years.

“[We should] appreciate deserving leaders while they are still alive [rather than] when they die.”

“It pains me that people who didn’t do anything to impact the society positively are being appreciated more than those who sacrificed including by giving their own life for the good of our country,” Imwatok stated.

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Odinga is widely expected to launch a fifth stab at the Presidency in the coming months.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader has been touring the country in a campaign dubbed ‘Azimio La Umoja’ which he has used to advocate for national unity and the establishment of a social welfare state among other initiatives.

Unlike in past elections where he has positioned himself as a reformist, anti-establishment candidate, he now enjoys the backing of traditional foes including President Uhuru Kenyatta and members of the Mt. Kenya elite.

Others in the race include Deputy President William Ruto, and the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) quartet of Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, Gideon Moi and Moses Wetangula.

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