PHOTOS: Raila Jr. restores Odinga's iconic 2007 campaign Hummer

Raila Odinga's iconic red Hummer H2, which became one of the most recognisable symbols of Kenya’s 2007 presidential campaign, is back on the road after a major restoration by his son, Raila Jr.

Popularly nicknamed the “Hammer” during the heated 2007 election season, the flashy SUV featured prominently at campaign rallies for Raila Odinga and came to symbolise political strength, influence and mass mobilisation.

After years of disuse, the vehicle has now been fully refurbished.

Raila Jr. said he now wants Kenyans to interact with the historic SUV before it is eventually moved to the family museum in Siaya County.

Sharing the update, he noted that his initial plan had been to immediately place the vehicle in the museum, but he later changed his mind after completing the restoration.

A story of Restoration, my initial Idea was to take it to the museaum, though I’d like Kenyans to interact with it before I do. #Godbless pic.twitter.com/U5sfGbKbDc

— Raila Odinga Junior (@Railajunior) June 2, 2026

“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. #Godbless,” he wrote.

The latest remarks mark a shift from his earlier position in December 2025, when he announced that the Hummer would be restored and permanently housed at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, the home of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga mausoleum.

At the time, Raila Jr. said the goal was to preserve what he described as an important piece of Kenya’s political history by displaying it alongside other artefacts linked to the Odinga family legacy.

“My intention is to restore it and take it to the museum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi,” he said on December 8, 2025.

He was responding to social media claims suggesting the vehicle had been “sent to parking” following reports that its former owner had retired from active politics.

The Hummer’s place in Kenya’s political folklore dates back to the 2007 General Election, when it was gifted to Raila Odinga by supporters backing his presidential bid.

Among those credited with helping acquire the SUV is businessman Don Bosco Gichana.

Its imposing presence and bright red colour made it a fixture at campaign stops across the country, earning it the nickname “Hammer” among supporters and political observers alike.