Homa Bay Member of Parliament (MP) George Peter Kaluma has proposed renaming the iconic Thika Superhighway to the Raila Odinga Highway in tribute to the former prime minister’s instrumental role in the road’s conception, planning, and execution.
In a statement shared via his official X account on Monday, June 30, 2025, Kaluma urged that despite facing fierce opposition, including legal challenges from landowners aimed at halting the construction because properties, homes and businesses were being demolished along the route, Odinga stayed laser‑focused and saw the project through to completion.
Kaluma emphasised that renaming the road is more than symbolic, it is a matter of historical accuracy and justice, noting that the ODM leader remained focused and built the Thika Highway against all resistance, underscoring the need to duly recognise and honour his unwavering leadership.
“Against stiff opposition from the people, including by filing cases to stop the works on the ground that he was demolishing their properties and businesses alongside the road, Baba remained focused and built Thika Highway! Kaluma proposed.
“We must give Baba his due credit and honour.”
Thika Superhighway
Constructed between January 2009 and November 2012 under the grand coalition government of President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the Thika Superhighway has transformed commuting between Nairobi and Thika.
Boasting eight lanes, service roads, footbridges, and other modern infrastructure, it’s widely celebrated as an African engineering masterpiece.
Since its inauguration in November 2012, the 50‑kilometre Thika Superhighway has dramatically reshaped the Nairobi–Thika corridor.
Part of the A2 trunk road, it expanded into an eight‑lane controlled-access highway (12 lanes in some stretches), complete with grade-separated interchanges, flyovers, underpasses, dedicated service lanes, footbridges, and street lighting.
Road’s name
If Kaluma’s proposal to rename the Thika Superhighway as Raila Odinga Highway is adopted, the highway would join the ranks of Kenyan roads named in honour of prominent national figures, such as Kenyatta Avenue, formerly Delamere Avenue, which was named after former President Jomo Kenyatta, and Moi Avenue, formerly First Station Road/Government Road, for late President Daniel arap Moi.
Similarly, Kimathi Street, formerly Hardinge Street, was renamed to commemorate Mau Mau leader Dedan Kimathi, while Tom Mboya Street, formerly Victoria Street, was renamed to pay tribute to nationalist Tom Mboya.
