- UoN has announced plans to establish the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy in honour of the late former Prime Minister’s contribution to democracy and constitutional development.
- Vice Chancellor Prof. Ayub Gitau has described the Centre as an enduring institution for scholarship and public dialogue.
- Ida and Winnie Odinga have urged that the Centre focus on nurturing critical thinkers and equipping future generations to engage fearlessly with democratic processes, rather than merely serving as a memorial.
The University of Nairobi is set to establish the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy (ROCD) in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his long-standing contribution to the struggle for democracy and constitutional development in Kenya.
The Centre is envisioned as a hub for public dialogue, research and innovation in democracy. It will be anchored in the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences through the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, in partnership with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.
The plans were discussed during a courtesy visit to the University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ayub Gitau by Mama Ida Odinga, widow of the late Raila Odinga, who was accompanied by her daughter Winnie Odinga.
Prof. Gitau said the Centre would go beyond serving as a memorial, describing it as an institution that would preserve and advance democratic values, scholarship and public dialogue.
“We will not merely commemorate a life; we will launch an enduring University institution dedicated to advancing the democratic values, scholarship and public dialogue associated with his contribution,” Prof. Gitau said.
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The meeting was also attended by the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellors in charge of Finance and Development, and Research, Innovation and Enterprise.
The university officials described the proposed Centre as a fitting legacy to Raila Odinga, whose political career was closely associated with the struggle for democracy, constitutional reforms and greater political participation in Kenya.
Ida Odinga welcomed the initiative, saying the Centre should focus on nurturing critical thinkers rather than simply carrying her husband’s name.
She urged the University to make the institution meaningful to the people who will interact with and use it.
“It is the people inside that give the Centre meaning, not just the name on the outside. Let the Centre belong to you, the people,” she said.
Ida said the Centre should become a space where ideas are developed, and future generations are equipped to engage critically with issues affecting society.
Winnie Odinga reflected on her father’s lifelong commitment to the pursuit of democracy and said the proposed Centre should help inspire future generations to engage fearlessly with difficult questions.
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She envisioned an institution that would encourage young people to critically examine democratic processes, including elections, and assess their true value to society.
The Centre is expected to provide a platform for scholars, policymakers, students, civil society organisations and members of the public to engage in discussions on democracy and governance.
Plans are currently underway for the inauguration of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy and the hosting of its inaugural Memorial Lecture on Democracy.
By Obegi Malack
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