Raila's Sh1 Billion Kisumu Home
FORMER Prime Minister Raila Odinga is putting up a Sh1 billion hill-side palatial residence in Riat Kisumu.
Construction of the the palatial, almost stately 74 roomed residence begun four years ago and could be completed before the end of the year or sometimes next year.
The home is crested in Kanyakwar, Riat Hills overlooking Kisumu International Airport. It affords the former PM a near-aerial view of Kisumu City, the base of his political power.
"At some point, the PM was under pressure from family members to convert it into a hotel facility but he stuck his ground on the home idea. His will has prevailed to date,” a source close to Raila said yesterday.
The residence has close to 10 bedrooms- including Raila's master bedroom all upstairs. It has four expansive kitchens, two main conference rooms, two small conference rooms and many offices.
The main contractor is said to be a foreigner who subcontracted local contractors. Currently, the contractor is doing final touches on the facility and at the same time doing landscaping outside.
Other sources said the construction is behind schedule as it was intended to be finished last year. Last year, Raila lost the presidential election for the third time.
He lost in the first round to President Uhuru Kenyatta. He moved to the Supreme Court but the court upheld Uhuru's victory.
He has given clear indications that he will be on the ballot in 2017. If he loses again he will most likely retire from politics.
