The Nairobi County Assembly has approved a proposal to construct a monument in honour of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the Supreme Court Roundabout, paving the way for one of the country’s most prominent tributes to the veteran opposition leader.
The motion, sponsored by Nairobi West MCA Rex Omolleh, was passed on Wednesday after a majority of MCAs backed the proposal to recognise Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey and political history.
According to the motion, the monument will honour Raila’s role in the fight for multiparty democracy, constitutional reforms and good governance, as well as his contribution to national development during his decades in public service.
“The monument will serve as a lasting tribute to his selfless sacrifice in championing democracy, the rule of law and national development,” part of the motion reads.
The Assembly also agreed that the Supreme Court Roundabout was a fitting location for the monument, citing its symbolic significance in relation to the country’s constitutional order and Raila’s long-standing push for democratic reforms.
If implemented, the project will add Raila to the list of Kenyan leaders commemorated through public monuments, with the statue expected to become one of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks.
The approval comes months after Raila’s death, with leaders across the political divide continuing to pay tribute to his role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
Throughout his career, Raila remained at the centre of some of the country’s defining political moments, including the struggle for multiparty democracy, the push for the 2010 Constitution and successive calls for electoral reforms.
The proposal now moves to the next stage, where Nairobi County will be expected to oversee the planning, design and eventual construction of the monument.
