Raila Junior reveals plans for Baba’s iconic Hummer

Raila Odinga Junior has revealed plans to restore the iconic Hummer once used by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Raila Jnr said he wants Kenyans to have an opportunity to interact with the vehicle before it is eventually placed in a museum.

In a statement titled A Story of Restoration, Raila Junior said his initial plan had been to donate the vehicle directly to a museum because of its historical and political significance.

“A story of restoration. My initial idea was to take it to the museum, though I'd like Kenyans to interact with it before I do,” he said.

The remarks suggest the vehicle, which became closely associated with Raila Odinga throughout his political career, will first undergo restoration and be made available for public viewing before being preserved as a historical artefact.

The Hummer is regarded by many supporters of the veteran opposition leader as one of the most recognisable vehicles in Kenya's political landscape, having featured prominently during campaigns, rallies and key moments in the country's political history.

The restoration effort comes as interest in memorabilia associated with Raila Odinga's decades-long political career continues to grow, with supporters viewing many of the former premier's personal and campaign items as important symbols of Kenya's democratic and political history.

The Hummer, once a campaign vehicle, is being transformed into a historical symbol, intended to preserve a tangible piece of Kenya’s political memory with the Odinga family.

The “Hammer” refers to a flashy Hummer H3 that Raila acquired ahead of the 2007 general election.

The vehicle was gifted to him by benefactors supporting his presidential bid, particularly one Don Bosco Gichana.

At campaign rallies, the red Hummer became a spectacle. Supporters would chant “Hummer! Hummer! Hummer!” as Odinga rode in it, projecting an image of power and strength that resonated widely.

The car quickly transcended its function; it became a political brand. From “Hummer” came “Hammer” (Nyundo), which symbolised Odinga’s force and appeal in Kenyan politics.

After the 2007 election and ensuing crisis, the car gradually faded from public view, making only a brief appearance in 2008.

Upon seeing Raila Junior’s plans for the car, Raila’s former long-term aide, Silas Jakakimba, hailed the decision, further revealing that he was among the first people to see the car before it became a central symbol of Raila Odinga’s presidential campaign

“One of the unknown stories about this hammer machine is that I was the first to lay my eyes on it,” he wrote. Jakakimba recounted meeting Bosco, the eventual donor of the vehicle, and immediately recognising its potential impact on Raila Odinga’s campaign appearances.

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.

The Hummer became one of the most recognisable features of Odinga’s 2007 presidential bid, often drawing crowds and symbolising strength and resilience.