Nairobi MCAs Approve Renaming of Mbagathi Way After Raila Odinga

The Nairobi County Assembly has approved a motion seeking to have Mbagathi Way renamed Raila Odinga Road.

The motion to rename the busy road after ODM leader Raila Odinga was sponsored by Makongeni MCA Peter Imwatok, who doubles up as the Minority Whip in the county assembly.

Imwatok argued that deserving leaders such as Odinga should be honored while they are still alive.

He noted that Odinga should be honored for fighting for democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.

"He fought during this period for greater democratic space, good governance, rule of law, and development of infrastructure against many odds, including detention without trial for 10 years,” Imwatok said.

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.

Nairobi county executive for planning and urban housing is expected to appoint a County Addressing Unit comprising of members from the county and national governments to ratify the renaming of the road.

It will become 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.