Renowned lawyer Willis Otieno has called on the government to rename Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to RAO International Airport in honour of the late political leader Raila Odinga.Otieno described Raila as a “fallen soldier” whose lifelong dedication to Kenya’s democracy and social justice deserves the highest recognition.
He argued that renaming the airport would be a fitting tribute to Raila’s sacrifices, including years of political struggle and detention, which helped shape Kenya’s multiparty democracy.
“This is the only way to show great honour to a fallen soldier,” Otieno said, emphasizing that statues or holidays alone would not sufficiently capture Raila’s legacy.
The call has sparked mixed reactions across the country. Supporters hailed the idea as a bold and meaningful tribute to a towering national figure, while critics cautioned that renaming a major national airport requires broad public consultation and careful consideration of Kenya’s history.
Willis Otieno, widely known as a vocal city lawyer, has previously made headlines for his public commentary on constitutional and political matters. His latest proposal is expected to reignite national debates on how Kenya honours its leaders.
