President William Ruto has officially unveiled and dedicated the mausoleum of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, as the country continues to commemorate the former opposition leader.
The President led the handover and dedication ceremony on Wednesday, October 7, alongside Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, members of the Odinga family, clergy and invited dignitaries.
Ruto read a presidential citation honouring Raila, describing the former Prime Minister as a patriot and Pan-Africanist whose decades in public life were closely linked to Kenya’s democratic development.
He reflected on Raila’s years in detention and his political struggles, saying the former opposition leader remained committed to the pursuit of freedom, justice and a democratic society.
The President said the mausoleum would serve not only as Raila’s final resting place but also as a site preserving the memory of his contribution to Kenya’s political history.
The mausoleum was constructed through the Ministry of Defence, with the Kenya Defence Forces taking over the project in July. The site has subsequently been placed under the protection of the National Museums of Kenya as part of the country’s national heritage.
During the ceremony, Mama Ida Odinga dedicated the site to God and called on the church to bless the grounds as a place of peace, remembrance and service.
The ceremony culminated in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by President Ruto and Mama Ida.
The unveiling comes as family members, political leaders, clergy and invited guests continue with a memorial service honouring Raila’s life and legacy.
The October 7 ceremony was restricted to invited guests because of limited space at the mausoleum and the nature of the state event. Members of the public were advised not to travel to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi for the unveiling, with designated viewing centres and live television coverage provided instead.
Public access to the mausoleum is expected to begin on Thursday, October 8.
The commissioning is part of a wider programme of events marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India, and was buried at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi alongside the mausoleum of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
The wider commemorations are expected to culminate on October 15, when members of the public will gather in Bondo to mark one year since his death.
The mausoleum is expected to serve as a permanent heritage site where Kenyans and future generations can learn about Raila Odinga’s life, political career and contribution to the country’s history.
