Kenyans woke up on Friday morning to the news of Mbagathi way being officially renamed after the former Prime minister Raila Odinga.
Mbagathi way was set to be renamed after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga yo appreciate his numerous contribution in the country.
The Nairobi members of the county assembly (MCAs) a few months ago came up with a bill that would see Mbagathi way called Raila Odinga way.
Apparently, the opposition leader has always taken credit for the construction on the Mbagathi way by use of materials which have withstood the toughest conditions.
According to the Star, The Makongeni MCA said the move would be a way of honoring and recognising the former Prime Minister’s contribution to the development and growth of the state.
He cited Raila’s selfless sacrifice in championing good governance, democratic space and the development of infrastructure.
“We (ODM Nairobi leaders) have been in the streets with him leading from the front. It pains us that people who didn’t do anything to impact society positively are being appreciated more than those who sacrificed more, including giving their own live’s from youthful age and happiness for the good of our country,” Imwatok said.
Amwatok reiterated that the opposition leader has greatly impacted the development of the Kenyan state both democratically and economically throughout his entire life.
“During this period, he has been involved in fighting for greater democratic space, good governance, rule of law and development of infrastructure against many odds including detention without trial for 10 years,” read part of the motion.
The MCA also argued that it was under the leadership of the ODM boss in 2005 that the plan to construct Mbagathi Way together with other infrastructural developments in the nation were conceived.
“Noting that in 2005, Raila Odinga was the Minister for Roads and Public Works. He conceived, planned and implemented masterpiece infrastructure projects such as Thika Superhighway and Mbagathi Concrete road which has since proved to be the most durable road ever constructed in Kenya,” the MCA said.
The decision to rename Mbagathi road Raila Odinga way drew mixed reactions from Kenyans as follows:
“So Mbagathi Way is now officially Raila Odinga Way; methinks everything that had Mbagathi in its name should assume the new name including Mbagathi Hospital, ~ call it Raila Odinga Referral Hospital and upgrade it. The old lion from Nam has paid his fair share of service to the nation on a not so easy watch. For that, we all, without partisan disputations, ought to recognize his service to the republic and nation.”
“So what is next I wish they could have build a new one Instead of renaming.”
“Btw one of the reasons I’ll Elect Raila Odinga is age.. leadership is a very synergistically structured status and age comes as a privilege for the same..he is better placed to bring Kenya back to senses.”
“Finally, the grandson of Opondo Nyar Magolo has been immortalized.”
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