Residents of Njiru in Kasarani Constituency, Nairobi County, came together on Sunday to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga by naming one of their estate roads after him.
Led by the Kamatuto residents’ chairperson and supported by local boda boda riders, the group unveiled a bright orange and blue signpost inscribed with the name “Raila Odinga Road.”
The move was described as a heartfelt tribute to the late ODM leader, who once served as Kenya’s Minister for Roads and was widely respected for his contribution to the country’s infrastructure development and democracy.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Kamatuto chairperson said the gesture was a symbol of appreciation and remembrance for Raila, fondly referred to as “Baba” by his supporters.
“I am the chairman of Kamatuto in Njiru, and today we have gathered as residents and community leaders to remember Baba. We decided to name this road Raila Odinga Road to show our love and respect. We also want to let our leaders, including Governor Sakaja and MP Karauri, know that Kamatuto now has a road named in honour of Raila,” the chairperson said.
The road, which stretches approximately three kilometres, runs from Kangundo Road through Kamatuto Estate and connects to Mwiki. However, the residents pointed out that the road is in poor condition and requires urgent repair.
They appealed to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri to step in and rehabilitate the road, noting that its current state makes transport difficult for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Residents believe that upgrading the road would significantly improve business activities and overall economic growth in the area, as it serves as a vital link between Kamatuto and the larger Kasarani constituency.
This is not the first time a road in Nairobi has been named after Raila Odinga. The opposition leader, who passed away on October 15, had long been a key figure in Kenyan politics and a symbol of the country’s struggle for democracy.
In 2021, even before his passing, the Nairobi County government officially renamed Mbagathi Way to Raila Odinga Way to celebrate his political legacy and contributions to Kenya’s democratic reforms.
That road, a 6-kilometre dual carriageway, connects Lang’ata Road and Ngong Road, serving thousands of motorists daily.
For the residents of Kamatuto, naming their road after Raila Odinga is not just a sign of respect but also a reminder of his enduring impact on Kenya’s political and social landscape.
They expressed hope that the move will attract attention from leaders and inspire better development within their community.
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