(File) Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga addresses supporters outside Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi on July 26, 2023, after meeting with demonstrators injured in recent anti-government protests. Raila Amoro Odinga, who died on October 15 at the age of 80, spent most of his adult life in politics, including eight years in prison as a pro-democracy activist, but he failed to achieve his goal of becoming Kenya’s president despite five attempts. (Photo provided by SIMON MAINA/AFP)
Written by Kingsley Adegboye
The African International Housing Show (AIHS) has expressed deep sadness at the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a visionary African leader whose lifelong commitment to housing, good governance and social justice left an indelible mark on Kenya and the entire continent.
In a statement, African International Housing Show Coordinator Festus Adebayo said the group memorialized Odinga as “an outstanding statesman, a champion of affordable housing, and a true African patriot whose leadership promoted inclusion, development and dignity for his people.”
Raila Odinga, who died at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in India, has been hailed by many as a “beacon of courage”.
The statement noted that Mr. Odinga’s influence extended far beyond politics to include social development, housing advocacy, and urban reform, areas in which he demonstrated remarkable foresight and dedication.
Mr. Adebayo highlighted Mr. Odinga’s ground-breaking contributions to Kenya’s housing policy, particularly his donation of five acres of family land in Kisumu’s Kilembe district to support President Ruto’s affordable housing program, which is expected to provide about 1,000 homes for low-income people.
AIHS said the initiative was “a profound gesture of leadership and service that demonstrates Mr. Odinga’s belief that all citizens have the right to access decent housing.”
The statement also detailed Odinga’s consistent advocacy for affordable housing, urban planning and sustainable land use throughout his time as prime minister and in his later years as an elder statesman. Adebayo said his leadership “laid the foundations for Kenya’s housing and infrastructure transformation and inspired governments across Africa to prioritize shelter as a human right.”
AIHS praised Odinga’s policy legacy, including supporting housing finance reform and promoting inclusive growth through urban renewal.
His collaboration with President Ruto on the National Housing Program was described as “a testament to his selfless leadership and willingness to rise above politics for the greater good.”
Beyond infrastructure, Mr. Odinga championed the establishment of a Housing Levy Fund to address Kenya’s housing shortage and proposed reforms to increase transparency and autonomy in contributions, thereby increasing public confidence in government-led housing programmes.
Mr. Adebayo added that Mr. Odinga’s leadership style reflects the ideals that the African International Housing Show has long promoted innovation, cooperation and people-centered policies.
He said: “Raila Odinga’s life reminds us that housing is not just about building structures; it is about building hope, stability and opportunity for millions of Africans.”
AIHS also expressed its condolences to the Kenyan government and people and the Odinga family and called on African leaders to honor his legacy by upholding his vision of affordable housing for all.
“At AIHS, we join millions of Africans in celebrating the life of a leader who believed that adequate housing and urban reform were central to human dignity and national development,” Adebayo said.
