The legacy of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga (Baba) in Kajiado County is evident not only in his national political struggles but also in tangible development and a championing of the Maasai community’s core issues, most notably the push for land rights and the success of devolution.
As one of the country’s most influential political figures, “Baba” is remembered in Kajiado for his contributions to infrastructure, his role in constitutional reform, and his sustained political advocacy.
Pioneering Devolution and Decentralized Governance
Perhaps the most notable contribution by Mr. Odinga that benefits Kajiado County is his unwavering push for the 2010 Constitution and the devolved system of government, thus Raila is referred to by many as the father of devolution.
Devolution was championed by Odinga as a critical mechanism to address historical injustices and the skewed distribution of resources that had long marginalized regions like Kajiado. He viewed the creation of the 47 county governments as the only sustainable way to ensure resource equity, social justice, and participatory democracy.
For Kajiado, this meant local control over crucial services like health, agriculture, and local infrastructure, directly impacting the lives of the Maasai and other communities residing in the county. His continuous post-premiership advocacy for more funding and resources to be devolved to counties, including his efforts through initiatives like the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), aimed to ensure that Kajiado would receive billions more to address local needs such as water scarcity and inadequate schools.
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While he served as Prime Minister (2008–2013) and later in cooperation with the subsequent governments (Uhuru Kenyatta’s 2018-2022) and William Ruto’s (2024-present), Odinga placed great emphasis on infrastructure development to open up formerly inaccessible areas. A prime example of this is his association with the official opening of the Ngong-Kiserian-Isinya road and the Kajiado-Imaroro roads under the Kenyatta administration, These projects, constructed under a Public Private Partnership, were vital in easing traffic congestion that affects the Nairobi metropolitan area and, more significantly, in unlocking the economic potential of Kajiado County by facilitating the movement of goods and people, thereby boosting trade and access to markets.
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Advocacy for Land Rights
Beyond constitutional and infrastructure matters, Mr. Odinga has been a vocal champion for the protection of the Maasai community’s land rights. He drew national attention to the emotive land issue, cautioning the community against indiscriminate sale of their ancestral land due to poverty and lack of awareness. While such comments occasionally drew political criticism, they underscored his commitment to addressing the systematic marginalization and historical land injustices that have plagued the Maasai.
His efforts have positioned him as a defender of the community’s heritage and a leader focused on the socio-economic empowerment of the region through the preservation of its primary resource: land.
Just weeks before his passing, residents from Kibiko in Ngong had visited Raila Odinga’s Karen residence to seek his intervention in an ongoing land dispute affecting their community. The move reflected the deep trust placed in Odinga as a national figure who consistently championed land rights for marginalized groups.
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His willingness to engage directly with local grievances underscored his enduring role as a mediator in complex land matters, especially those affecting the Maasai community.
Raila Odinga’s influence in Kajiado extended beyond policy and advocacy but also played a pivotal role in mentoring a generation of local leaders. Among them were Kajiado Central MP Elijah Memusi Kanchory and Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, who notably crossed party lines to join ODM ahead of the 2022 gubernatorial race. Odinga’s guidance helped shape their political paths, reinforcing his legacy as a builder of leadership and a unifying force in the region’s political evolution.
The former Prime Minister’s contributions from spearheading the devolution system that empowers the county to lobbying for infrastructure and defending ancestral land, will collectively cement his memory in Kajiado’s history.
In honour of Raila Odinga’s legacy, the Kajiado County Assembly held a special motion to eulogize the former Prime Minister, recognizing his lifelong contributions to Kenya’s democratic journey and his enduring impact on the Maa community.
Members of the Assembly paid tribute to Odinga’s role in championing devolution, land justice, and inclusive governance, describing him as a statesman whose influence transcended party lines and generations.
The ODM @20 celebrations, which were scheduled to take place in Kajiado, were officially suspended following the news of Odinga’s passing. Governor Joseph Ole Lenku confirmed the postponement, stating that the county would instead focus on mourning and reflection.
Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, 19th October 2025, at his home in Bondo, Siaya County.
By Masaki Enock
