Nairobi County Assembly has approved a KSh 20 million allocation in its 2026/27 budget to construct a monument commemorating the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The statue will be erected at the Supreme Court Roundabout along City Hall Way in Nairobi.
The decision was made following a unanimous vote on a motion sponsored by Nairobi West MCA John Rex Omolleh of the Orange Democratic Movement. Initially proposed for Uhuru Park, the monument's location was revised to the Supreme Court Roundabout to better honor Raila Odinga's legacy.
Raila Odinga's Legacy
Omolleh highlighted Raila Odinga's significant contributions to Kenya's democratic progress and infrastructure development. As Minister for Roads and Public Works, Raila was instrumental in projects such as the Thika Superhighway, Eastern Bypass, and Southern Bypass. Omolleh stated that the monument would serve as a lasting tribute to Raila's decades of public service and sacrifice.
Public Reactions
The announcement has generated diverse responses on social media. Some Kenyans questioned the cost, expressing disbelief and suggesting the funds could be better spent on urgent issues like Nairobi's flooding.
- @luxury_perfumes joked about the high price, suggesting it could be done for KSh 250,000.
- @nanjiegalgalo criticized the decision, calling the KSh 20 million expenditure "ridiculous."
- Others, however, felt the amount was insufficient for a figure of Raila's stature. @2mbili advocated for increasing the budget to KSh 50 million.
- @hvsh.mi urged prioritizing solutions to Nairobi's flooding over the monument.
With the budget now approved, Nairobi County's executive will collaborate with national agencies to begin planning and executing the monument project.
