Raila Odinga Mausoleum Nears Completion Ahead of State Dedication in Bondo

BONDO, Kenya — The Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo is nearing completion ahead of its formal handover to the State and a planned dedication ceremony led by President William Ruto.

The mausoleum is currently 98 per cent complete, with the handover scheduled for Wednesday, October 7. The ceremony will be restricted to invited guests and will feature full military honours.

The complex serves as the final resting place of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son, former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga. The site has also been listed for protection by the National Museums of Kenya as part of Kenya’s national heritage.

Military Engineers Complete Construction

The Ministry of Defence assumed responsibility for the construction works in July, with military engineers working alongside technical teams from the National Museums of Kenya.

The teams have completed most of the works in approximately three months as preparations intensify for the first anniversary commemorations of Raila Odinga's death.

A joint inspection of the mausoleum was conducted by members of the Odinga family and government officials, including Raila's widow, Mama Idah Odinga, Deputy Chief of Staff in the President's Office Josephat Nanok, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Oluga Ouma, and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo.

Officials confirmed that the October 7 handover and dedication will be conducted under strict security arrangements because of the limited capacity of the site.

Public Asked to Follow Ceremony Remotely

Members of the public have been advised not to travel to the mausoleum for the October 7 ceremony because of space limitations and security protocols.

Instead, the event will be broadcast live on national television, while public viewing screens will be installed at Nyamira School, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology and in Bondo town.

Public access to the mausoleum is expected to begin on Thursday, October 8, allowing members of the public to visit the site following the official dedication.

Memorial Events Planned

The mausoleum dedication forms part of a wider programme of events marking one year since Raila Odinga's death.

A family-led candlelight vigil is scheduled for 6 p.m. on October 14 at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.

The main public memorial service will follow on October 15 at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo. Unlike the restricted dedication ceremony, the October 15 memorial will be open to members of the public.

The government and the Odinga family have also announced additional initiatives intended to preserve Raila's legacy.

Among them is the proposed establishment of a Democracy Institute in Raila Odinga's name at the University of Nairobi, alongside other projects at the Kenya School of Government.

The developments at Kang’o ka Jaramogi are expected to make the site an important national heritage and memorial destination, bringing together the history of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and the political legacy of his son, Raila Odinga.