Mbagathi Way in Nairobi Officially Renamed Raila Odinga Way

Mbagathi Way in Nairobi has officially been renamed Raila Odinga Way in honor of the ODM party leader.

This comes after the Nairobi County Assembly last month approved a motion by Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok, who sought to have the busy road named after Odinga.

Imwatok said Odinga deserved to be honored for championing democracy, good governance, economic development, and the rule of law for many years.

The Ward Representative argued that leaders who have played key roles in shaping the country’s political and economic development should be recognized while they are still alive.

“Raila fought for a greater democratic space, good governance, rule of law, and development of infrastructure against innumerable odds, including detention without trial for 10 years,” said Imwatok, who doubles up as the Minority Whip at the county assembly.

He further indicated that Raila pushed for the upgrading of Mbagathi Way during his tenure as Lang’ata MP and Minister for Roads and Public Works.

“We should appreciate deserving leaders while they are still alive rather than when they die,” Imwatok told the house.

On Thursday, the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) and Nairobi County government erected new signage on the busy highway reading Raila Odinga Way.

Mbagathi Way becomes the fourth road in the city to be renamed this year following approval by the county assembly.

In March, Eastleigh First Avenue lane was renamed Mohammed Yusuf Haji Avenue in honor of the Garissa Senator, who died in February.

Kapiti Crescent Road in South B was renamed after football legend Joe Kadenge while Accra Road was renamed after the late second liberation hero Kenneth Matiba.