Indian community moves to honour Raila Odinga with landmark Nairobi statue
If approved, the statue would be among the most prominent monuments in Nairobi’s CBD, joining others such as that of Tom Mboya, which celebrate Kenya’s historical and political icons.
The Indian community in Nairobi is seeking permission from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to erect a statue in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The community announced plans on Sunday to fund and construct a grand statue of Odinga in Nairobi’s central business district (CBD), describing him as a statesman who stood for unity and justice.
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Former Parklands Highridge Member of County Assembly (MCA) Jayendra Malde said the community is ready to fully finance the project as a gesture of appreciation for Odinga’s immense contribution to Kenya’s democracy and freedom.
“We as the Indian community are ready to build Baba a big statue in CBD in his memory, provided the governor approves,” said Malde, who served as Parklands Highridge MCA between 2017 and 2022, in a Facebook post.
He added that the community would formally write to President William Ruto and Governor Sakaja to request a site for the monument, which they hope will serve as a lasting tribute to the late ODM leader’s legacy and the values he stood for.
“Tomorrow, we as the Indian community will send a formal letter to H.E. William Ruto and H.E. Sakaja to give us a site in CBD for BABA’s statue,” he stated.
Unifying figure
Malde noted that Odinga’s leadership, sacrifice, and commitment to democracy deeply resonated with many communities, including the Indian diaspora in Kenya, who viewed him as a unifying figure and a defender of social justice.
He added that the proposed statue would not only celebrate Odinga’s memory but also symbolise Kenya’s diversity and the strong bonds among communities that have coexisted peacefully for generations.
The proposal has sparked interest among Nairobi residents, with many saying the gesture reflects the broad respect and admiration Odinga commanded across social and ethnic lines.
If approved, the statue would be among the most prominent monuments in Nairobi’s CBD, joining others such as that of Tom Mboya, which celebrate Kenya’s historical and political icons.
Odinga died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while undergoing specialised treatment in India. He was later laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.
The announcement follows news that Germany’s Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Odinga’s alma mater, plans to launch an academic exchange programme in his honour.
The university’s president, Professor Dr.-Ing. Jens Strackeljan paid a courtesy visit to Kenya’s Embassy in Berlin, where he conveyed condolences to the Kenyan people and presented a commemorative university plate to Ambassador Stella Mokaya for delivery to the Odinga family.
Odinga studied at a German university between 1965 and 1970, graduating with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
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