Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has eulogized his late brother, Raila Odinga, describing his mausoleum as a beacon for future generations to learn about the price of liberty and national unity. In a message read on his behalf by his eldest son, Jaoko Oburu, during a prayer service in memory of Raila, Oburu said the mausoleum was more than a resting place, but a living centre of democracy.
The mausoleum, located at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, was formally handed over and commissioned ahead of the first anniversary of Raila's death on October 15. Oburu said his brother championed freedom, constitutionalism, and justice throughout his life, and the mausoleum would serve as a monument dedicated to these ideals. He added that it would remind future generations of the sacrifices made by Raila and the Odinga family in the pursuit of national unity.
Oburu, who is recovering at Nairobi Hospital, did not attend the ceremony but sent a message assuring his presence in spirit. He said his condition had improved significantly, and he was on bed rest on his doctor's advice. Oburu also spoke about Raila's political legacy, citing his decision to enter into a working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration as a demonstration of the Odinga family's commitment to national unity.
According to Oburu, the Odinga family's pursuit of national unity was started by their patriarch, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who sacrificed comfort, status, and freedom to fight for internal self-governance and multiparty democracy. Raila took up the mantle and continued the fight during the second liberation struggles, leading to the realization of the 2010 Constitution. Oburu said this legacy was evident in the current government's efforts to address critical national issues.
The Senator cited the creation of the National Infrastructure Fund, the Universal Health Coverage agenda, the fertilizer subsidy program, and expansion of education reforms as examples of the government's efforts to stabilize the political environment and accelerate national development. He said ODM's participation in the broad-based government demonstrated political maturity that had yielded positive results for Kenya.
The Raila Odinga Mausoleum is expected to open to the public from October 8, and the government provided live-viewing screens in Bondo town for those who could not access the mausoleum grounds. The main public memorial service will be held on October 15 as part of the month-long Mwezi wa Baba commemorations, giving Kenyans an opportunity to honor Raila's legacy and reflect on the ideals of democracy, constitutionalism, and national unity.
The commemoration of Raila's legacy is expected to be a significant event, with Kenyans from all over the country expected to attend. The event will provide a platform for people to pay tribute to Raila and reflect on his contributions to Kenya's democracy and development.
Key points
- The Raila Odinga Mausoleum serves as a reminder to future generations of the price of liberty and national unity.
