Life After Raila: Hassan Omar Proposes Establishment of Raila Odinga School of Government

Kenya, 22 October 2025 - As the country continues to come to terms following the demise of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar has put forward a proposal to set up the Raila Odinga School of Government at the University of Nairobi (UoN).

This, Mr Omar said would be a fitting tribute to Kenya’s gallant son who was at the front row fighting for freedom, justice, and democracy.

Mr Omar, who is the former Senator of Mombasa County, put forward this proposal on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, during a top-notch debate on “Political Parties and the Reconfiguration of the African State: Pathways to Democratic Consolidation in the 21st Century” at UoN.

He explained that this new institute, if opened, would serve as a powerhouse for research, policy innovation, and leadership training, linking the worlds of academia and politics to mould Kenya’s democratic future.

He went on to stress the need for African political parties to establish think-tanks and ideological schools to shape their movements in solid principles and evidence-based policymaking.

These setups, he argued, would help raise the next generation of leaders who can match party promises with the real socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Mr Omar also urged university students and young leaders to minimise online activism and instead immerse themselves into active political process so as to give democracy a proper boost.

UDA is the biggest party in the Kenya Kwanza coalition which propelled President William Ruto to power in the 2022 General Election.

President Ruto after forming government, faced a wave of protests from Gen-Zs, who rose against his leadership in June 2024.

To calm waters and steady his government, he opted to work hand in hand with his political nemesis--Odinga--who donated to him 'experts' that are today part of his Cabinet.

The five Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) are Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho, Treasury CS John Mbadi, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Cooperatives and MSMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya, and CS for East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development Beatrice Askul.

Odinga died on 15 October 2025, while undergoing treatment in India. He was 80 years old. He was accorded a State Funeral where he was interred on Sunday, 19 October 2025, at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, in an emotional ceremony attended by thousands of mourners led by President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, a section of opposition leaders, foreign dignitaries, and citizens from all walks of life who travelled from across the country to pay their last respects.