It was more than a machine; it was a rolling fortress that defined the adrenaline, polarization, and sheer spectacle of Kenya’s 2007 general election. The Hummer H2, affectionately and fearfully dubbed the “Hammer” by supporters and rivals alike, became the ultimate symbol of Raila Odinga’s challenge against the establishment.

Now, nearly two decades after it tore through the mud of rural Kenya and the tarmac of Nairobi, the vehicle is being retired to history. Raila Odinga Junior has confirmed that the car is undergoing a meticulous restoration process to become a permanent exhibit at the Kang’o Ka Jaramogi Museum in Bondo, Siaya County.

The move transforms a depreciating asset into a cultural artifact, preserving a tangible slice of the country's volatile political heritage for future generations.

A Symbol of Political Might

In 2007, the sight of the Hummer was enough to bring towns to a standstill. At a time when the average Kenyan campaign vehicle was a Toyota Land Cruiser or a Mitsubishi Pajero, the Hummer represented a shift towards American-style political showmanship. It projected power, resilience, and an unyielding intent to storm the State House.

Raila Junior’s announcement has reignited memories of that high-stakes era. The vehicle was not merely transport; it was a psychological weapon used to rally the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) base against the then-incumbent, the late President Mwai Kibaki.

Key features that made the ‘Hammer’ legendary included:

• Intimidating Presence: Its sheer width and military-grade aesthetic dominated the road, symbolizing the "Pentagon" team's strength.
• All-Terrain Capability: It allowed the ODM leader to access remote areas previously considered unreachable during the rainy campaign season.
• Sound System: Often fitted with high-decibel speakers, it turned every stop into an instant rally.

Preserving the Odinga Legacy

The decision to house the vehicle at the Kang’o Ka Jaramogi Museum is significant. The site, the final resting place of Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, serves as a repository for the struggle for multi-party democracy in Kenya.

By adding the 2007 campaign vehicle to the collection, the Odinga family is curating a narrative that links Jaramogi’s post-independence struggles directly to his son’s 21st-century political battles. It offers visitors a physical connection to the narratives often read in history books.

While the costs of the restoration remain undisclosed, the value of the vehicle in 2007 was estimated at over KES 18 million (adjusted for inflation and duties), a staggering figure that underscored the high cost of Kenyan democracy. Today, its value lies not in its engine, but in the stories it carries.

“This restoration ensures that the ‘Hammer’ remains not just a memory of the past, but a lesson for the future,” noted political observers following the announcement.