Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah has said that the late Raila Odinga had expressed regret about Kenya’s state of infrastructure.

Speaking to one of the local TV stations on Sunday, October 26, 2025, Ichung’wah revealed that the former Prime Minister often worried that Kenya was falling behind its neighbours in key development areas, particularly in transport and housing.

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Ichung’wah said Raila’s concern went beyond politics, describing him as a good asset to the government.

Ichung’wah on Raila’s regret

“The late Raila was a good asset to the government. He kept on encouraging Kenya to bank on infrastructural projects.

“In one of the meetings in Machakos, he regretted that Kenya is the only country without a decent airport. He used examples like Rwanda, saying they have overtaken Kenya,” Ichung’wah said.

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The legislator said Raila consistently pushed for investment in large-scale projects and urged the government to ignore noise from those who do not know how a nation is run

Raila’s passion for infrastructure was evident long before his death.

In October 2024, he defended India’s Adani Group amid controversy over its proposed Public-Private Partnership to modernise Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Kenya’s power transmission network.

Day, Raila defended Adani

“When I was the Prime Minister of Kenya, I was introduced to Adani by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Raila had said in an earlier statement.

“In Mumbai, I witnessed how they transformed a collapsing airport into a world-class facility, and their power projects benefit millions.”

Raila said Kenya’s infrastructure laws were inspired by India’s model, adding that partnerships like the proposed JKIA project were key to keeping Kenya competitive.

“If we scare away investors like Adani, we risk stalling critical infrastructure development at a time when our neighbours are pulling ahead,” he warned.

Ichung’wah said Raila was deeply reflective in his final months, often mentoring younger leaders and reminding them of Kenya’s potential.

He recalled one moment during the delivery of the NADCO report when Raila shared his experience implementing the Affordable Housing program in Kibera.

“He sat me down and explained how he achieved Affordable Housing in Kibera when he was the Minister for Lands and Public Works,” Ichung’wah said.

Ichung’wah described those conversations as profound, saying they showed Raila’s genuine desire to see Kenya thrive beyond political divides.

“Raila believed in development that touches lives,” Ichung’wah said. “Even when we disagreed politically, his vision for Kenya was unmistakable.”