Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga made an unannounced visit to the Business Bay Square (BBS) Mall in Eastleigh on February 5, 2025, where he engaged with residents, traders, and local leaders.
Raila was accompanied by Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, BBS Mall Chairman Maalim Weli and Eastleigh North MCA Ahmedkadar Dabar among other guests.
“We’re delighted to host former Prime Minister Hon.Raila Odinga at BBS Mall, accompanied by Kamukunji MP Yussuf Hassan, BBS Mall Chairman Maalim Weli, CEO Munir Ahmed, and Eastleigh North MCA Ahmedkhadar Dabar. He toured the mall, exploring its operations and economic impact on the region,” BBS Mall said in a statement posted on their X account.
Raila explored different areas of the mall as he moved through the facility, taking time to interact with traders and shoppers posing for photos with some of them.
Speaking during the visit, Raila expressed admiration for the development, highlighting its significance to the area’s economic growth.
“I’m so impressed with what you have done. It creates employment for the youth and has added value to the area,” Raila remarked during the visit.
He further praised the mall for reshaping Eastleigh’s skyline and enhancing its appeal to investors.
“This was my vision. Thank you for this effort. You have shown that it can be done in Kenya, not just in Dubai and Qatar,” he stated.
Reactions from Raila’s visit
Following Raila’s visit, Kamkunji MP Yusuf Hassan took his X account to commend the former Prime Minister’s engagement with the business community and his support for Eastleigh’s economic transformation.
“It was a great pleasure to welcome the Hon. Raila Odinga to Eastleigh today during his visit to the BBS Mall, the largest mall in the East Africa region. The former PM and Azimio leader was visibly impressed by the magnificent BBS Mall and the overall progress of the Eastleigh business hub,” Hassan wrote.
The Kamukunji MP echoed Raila’s sentiments on the mall’s contribution to job creation, particularly for the youth, and expressed his support for Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
“We cheer for you to be elected as AU chairman in the upcoming election,” Hassan said.
BBS Mall has previously hosted high-profile leaders, including President William Ruto and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Raila Odinga is the first notable leader to visit the mall this year.
