UoN to Anchor the Legacy of the Late Hon. Raila Odinga in New Democracy Centre

Envisioned as a premier hub for public dialogue, research and innovation in democracy. The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy will be anchored in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, with the University still finalizing dates for its formal inauguration, expected in October 2026.

In a courtesy call visit on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayub N. Gitau, Her Excellency Amb. Ida Odinga, Kenya's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), who was accompanied by Ms Winnie Odinga, held discussions on the Centre's establishment. Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Finance, Planning and Development, Prof. Josiah Aduda, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Enterprise, Prof. Jesang Hutchinson, and the Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Prof. Jack Odhiambo, Associate Dean, Prof. Jennifer Muchiri and Chair, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Dr. Oscar Otele.

Speaking during the meeting, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors welcomed the establishment of the Centre, terming it a fitting legacy dedicated to a man who fought for democracy and constitutional development in Kenya, a sentiment echoed by the Dean and Associate Dean.

Outlining the Centre's role, the Vice-Chancellor stated that it will serve as a platform for research programmes, fellowships, scholarship awards, leadership development, policy dialogue, archives and resource mobilisation, positioning the University to work with national institutions, African universities and regional bodies, international democracy organizations, development partners, foundations, civil society, the private sector and individual philanthropists.

The VC stated that the proposal has moved through the necessary University processes, including consideration at Departmental, Faculty and Dean's Committee levels, and that a substantive institutional package is now in place, comprising Operational Guidelines, a Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, a financial sustainability and resource mobilization framework, infrastructure requirements, an organizational structure, and an implementation workplan and budget. "What began as an idea has now developed into a comprehensive institutional proposal, with a clear strategic direction, governance framework, sustainability model, partnership framework, programmes and a five-year implementation plan," he said.

On the timing of the launch, the Vice-Chancellor said the University is working towards inaugurating the Centre in October 2026, deliberately coinciding with the week of the first anniversary of the passing of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, with exact dates still being firmed up. "This will give the inauguration both symbolic significance and institutional meaning: 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," he stated. Plans are also underway to hold the inaugural Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga Memorial Lecture on Democracy, with Professor Larry Diamond of Stanford University, one of the world's leading scholars on democracy, expected to deliver the address.

Dr. Oscar Otele, Chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, said the Centre is packaged to advance scholarship, describing it as a premium hub for public dialogue, research and innovation in democracy. He noted that flagship activities   include the commemorative International Day of Democracy, supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, during which the annual Memorial Lecture on Democracy will be delivered.

Echoing her father's lifelong commitment to democracy, Winnie Odinga said the Centre held deep personal significance for the family, noting that he had dedicated much of his life to its pursuit. She envisioned the Centre encouraging the asking of difficult questions, examining the value of elections, and ensuring that future generations inherit a living institution that challenges, documents history and deepens democracy.

Her Excellency Ida Odinga noted with pride that the Centre stood as a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. She said the institution should not merely be a place of praise, but should build individuals who protect democracy, ask difficult questions, and produce "thinkers, not robots." She challenged the University community to use the Centre as a platform to question, innovate and create new ideas  to ask better questions, generate knowledge, disagree and challenge ideas.

"It is the people inside that give the Centre its meaning, not just the name on the outside. Let the Centre belong to you, the people," she said.

She added: "Perhaps one of them will change this country. Give them a chance."