German university honours Raila, to establish academic exchange in his name

Germany’s Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, the alma mater of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has announced plans to launch an academic exchange program in his honour.

The university’s president, Professor Dr.-Ing. Jens Strackeljan, paid a courtesy visit to Kenya’s Embassy in Berlin, where he conveyed the institution’s condolences to Kenya and presented a commemorative university plate to Ambassador Stella Mokaya for delivery to the Odinga family.

Odinga studied at the German university between 1965 and 1970, graduating with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Prof. Strackeljan described the late ODM leader as “a great engineer and bridge-builder,” noting that his technical background in Magdeburg had a lasting influence on his career in both engineering and politics.

“The late Hon. Raila Odinga was a product of Magdeburg University, and we are proud of his legacy,” Prof. Strackeljan said.

“We remember him as a statesman and a bridge-builder between Africa and Europe. To honour this profound connection, the university pledges to establish a formal academic exchange program with Kenya that will be named after him.”

The university president was accompanied by Mr. Christian Romlein, Vice President of the German SME Initiative for Africa and a longtime friend of Kenya.

Ambassador Mokaya welcomed the gesture, describing it as a fitting tribute to Odinga’s enduring ties with Germany.

“Honourable Raila Odinga was not only a son of Kenya but also a son of Magdeburg,” she said. “His mastery of technical skills seamlessly transcended to political engineering, a clear German imprint throughout his life and career.”

She added that the embassy would work with the university to actualize the proposed academic exchange program, which will strengthen educational and cultural ties between Kenya and Germany.