Cadplan Architects Limited, a leading Kenyan design firm, has confirmed that it provided the architectural designs for both the Raila Odinga mausoleum in Bondo and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga mausoleum completed in 2008. The disclosure was made by Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku, who is also the managing director of Cadplan Architects. Manduku announced the information on October 7, 2026, during the handover ceremony of the Raila Odinga mausoleum to the family at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Siaya County.
The Raila Odinga mausoleum was built by Kenya Defence Forces engineers under a directive from President William Ruto, with an estimated cost of KSh 30 million. The new monument features a pentagonal plan, symbolizing the number five and the former Pentagon Alliance. The design draws inspiration from Raila Odinga’s iconic raised-fist gesture. The mausoleum’s burial chamber is lined with Italian Carrara marble and includes five steps to the central tomb, stained-glass windows, historic photographs, and custom sculptures that highlight the former Prime Minister’s life.
In contrast, the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga mausoleum, completed in 2008, follows a hexagonal layout. The two mausoleums showcase different architectural designs, reflecting the unique characteristics of each leader. Manduku, who was elected to parliament in 2022 on an ODM ticket, has a long history of working with Raila Odinga, having served as his personal architect for nearly two decades.
The design team for the Raila mausoleum was led by John Mwaniki, with key contributions from Andrew Karuma, John Wamwangi, and Silvia Mose. The architectural plans were unveiled in July by the National Museums of Kenya, under the oversight of chief architect Sanso Malaki. The official presentation of the designs marked a significant milestone in the project.
Cadplan Architects has established itself as a prominent designer of high-profile buildings in Kenya, with a portfolio that extends across Rwanda and the broader East African region. The firm’s work on the Odinga family mausoleums further solidifies its reputation for delivering iconic and meaningful structures.
The construction of the Raila Odinga mausoleum was a collaborative effort between Cadplan Architects and the Kenya Defence Forces engineers. The project’s completion and handover to the Odinga family mark a significant tribute to the former Prime Minister’s legacy. The mausoleum is expected to serve as a symbol of Raila Odinga’s impact on Kenyan politics and history.
The confirmation of Cadplan Architects’ involvement in designing both mausoleums highlights the firm’s significant contribution to Kenya’s architectural landscape. The Odinga family mausoleums serve as a testament to the lives and achievements of two prominent Kenyan leaders, and Cadplan Architects’ work on these projects underscores its role in shaping the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
Key points
- Cadplan Architects designed both Raila Odinga and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga mausoleums.
- The Raila Odinga mausoleum was built at an estimated cost of KSh 30 million.
- The two mausoleums feature distinct architectural designs, reflecting the unique characteristics of each leader.
