Kibera is the largest slum in Nairobi and the largest urban slum in Africa. Within itself, however, there exists a slum called Raila.
The slum was named after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader and Azimio La Umoja One Kenya presidential flag bearer, Raila Odinga, in 2018.
According to the source who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke, residents from the slum, majority of whom are from the Luo community named it after Odinga.
"Raila slum was named after Raila Odinga by Luos who reside in the area, this was about four years ago," said Paul Ogola, a resident.
The naming coincides with the political support Raila has enjoyed over the years from Kibera, a region perceived to be among his strongholds.
Raila was the area Member of Parliament for 15 years until 2007.
Kibera borders Langata Constituency, and was part of it before the creation of Kibra Constituency by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Within Raila slum, however, a school was also named after the former Prime Minister; Raila Academy.
"Raila Academy is at Karanja close to Raila slum on your way to Southern Baypass," added Ogola.
Kibera is the largest informal settlement in Africa and one of the largest in the world.
The ODM party leader is also known for making his political declarations at the Kamukunji Grounds which is located in the slums.
Kibera is home to over 600,000 residents of Nairobi who work in the neighbouring areas of Karen, Lavington, Kilimani, Kileleshwa and Langata among other places.
It is also home to of one Nairobi's largest voting bloc.
Kibera slum is divided into several administrative units including Makina, Olympic, Karanja, and Laini Saba among others.
