The Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum, located at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, is nearing completion. According to reports, the project is 98 per cent complete and is set to be formally handed over to the State on Wednesday, October 7. This handover will precede a restricted dedication ceremony led by President William Ruto. The mausoleum serves as the resting place of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son, Raila Odinga.
The Ministry of Defence took charge of the construction in July and worked in conjunction with military engineers and museum technical teams. They completed most of the works in about three months. The mausoleum complex has been listed for protection by the National Museums of Kenya as part of the country’s national heritage. This recognition underscores the significance of the site in Kenya's history.
During a joint inspection of the grounds, several high-profile attendees, including Raila’s widow, Mama Idah Odinga, Deputy Chief of Staff in the President’s Office Josephat Nanok, Medical Services PS Dr Oluga Ouma, and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, confirmed that the October 7 handover and State dedication would be an invitation-only event. The ceremony will feature full military honours.
Due to space constraints and security protocols, the public has been advised not to attend the ceremony in person. However, the State will broadcast the event live on national television. Additionally, public viewing screens will be set up at Nyamira School, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, and in Bondo town. This arrangement will allow the public to follow the event remotely.
Public access to the mausoleum will begin on Thursday, October 8. The government and the Odinga family have also announced plans for a family-led candlelight vigil scheduled for 6 p.m. on October 14 at Kang’o ka Jaramogi. This event will be followed by the main public memorial service on October 15 at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo, which will be open to all mourners.
In addition to the memorial service, the government and the Odinga family have announced parallel memorial initiatives. These include the establishment of a Democracy Institute in Raila Odinga’s name at the University of Nairobi. Further projects are also planned at the Kenya School of Government. These initiatives aim to honour Raila Odinga's legacy.
The completion and dedication of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum mark a significant milestone in recognising the contributions of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Raila Odinga to Kenya's history and politics. The events planned around the handover and dedication reflect the importance of this site and the individuals it honours.
Key points
- The Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo is 98 per cent complete and will be handed over to the State on October 7.
- The handover ceremony will be an invitation-only event featuring full military honours and will be broadcast live on national television.
- Public access to the mausoleum will begin on October 8, with a family-led candlelight vigil and a public memorial service to follow.
