Wednesday, December
10, 2025 - Raila Odinga Junior has announced plans to restore his father’s
legendary red Hummer SUV, one of the most recognizable symbols of his father’s
political journey.
The vehicle, which roared into the spotlight during the 2007
election campaign, is set to be restored and placed at the Jaramogi Oginga
Odinga Mausoleum in Kango Ka Jaramogi, preserving a vibrant piece of Kenya’s
political history.
“My intention is to restore and take it to the museum,”
Raila Junior posted on X.
The Hummer was gifted to Raila Odinga by controversial Kisii
businessman, Don Bosco Gichana, and became a rolling symbol of power and
influence.
At rallies, supporters chanted “Hummer! Hummer! Hummer!” as
Odinga cruised through crowds, projecting strength and charisma. Over time, the
nickname “Hammer” (Nyundo) cemented its place in Kenya’s political folklore.
After the turbulent 2007 election, the Hummer quietly faded
from public view.
Now, Raila Junior’s restoration project promises to revive
its legacy, transforming it into a historical artifact for future generations.
The move has drawn admiration from longtime Odinga aide
Silas Jakakimba, who recalls being among the first to see the SUV before it
became a campaign icon.
“One of the unknown stories about this hammer machine is that I was the first to lay my eyes on it,” he reminisced, describing how he immediately recognized its potential impact after meeting Don Bosco Gichana.
“I told him, ‘Ndugu, I have a feeling this car has the uniqueness we’d covet for Jakom’s campaign appearances.’
“He responded, ‘Do you think Mzee would like it too?’ I replied, ‘If I tell you we’d covet its impact in the terrains, rest assured PM would be aligned,’” Jakakimba narrated.
Jakakimba believes placing the Hummer at the Jaramogi Museum will safeguard a chapter of Raila Odinga’s political journey.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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