The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Raila Odinga Junior has announced plans to restore his late father Raila Odinga’s famed “Hammer” vehicle and eventually place it at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga mausoleum in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.
“My plan is to restore it and take it to the museum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi,” he said, responding to an X post claiming the car had been abandoned since Raila’s passing.
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The Hummer H3 — a prominent fixture during the former Prime Minister’s 2007 presidential campaign — is being refurbished as a historical artefact to preserve part of the Odinga family’s political legacy.
The flashy red Hummer, gifted to Raila by supporters including Don Bosco Gichana, became an instant sensation on the campaign trail. Crowds shouted “Hummer! Hummer! Hummer!” each time he arrived in it, and the nickname “Hammer” (Nyundo) soon emerged, symbolising his political strength and appeal.
Though the car faded from public attention after the 2007 elections, it remains one of the most memorable symbols of Raila’s political journey.
Silas Jakakimba, Raila’s longtime aide, praised Raila Junior’s restoration plan. He revealed he was among the first people to see the car before it became a campaign icon. Jakakimba recalled immediately recognising its potential impact and encouraging Bosco — who ultimately donated it — to present it to Raila.
The “Hammer” went on to become one of the most recognisable elements of Raila’s 2007 campaign, drawing huge crowds and symbolising resilience. Jakakimba said preserving the car at the Jaramogi Museum would honour a pivotal part of Raila’s efforts to reshape Kenya’s governance.
Its planned relocation marks a renewed effort to safeguard artefacts tied to the Odinga family’s lasting role in Kenya’s political history.
