The Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo is nearing completion, with 98 per cent of the work done. The mausoleum complex, which serves as the resting place of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Oginga, and his son, Raila Odinga, has been listed for protection by the National Museums of Kenya as part of the country’s national heritage. The Ministry of Defence took charge of the construction in July.
The construction of the mausoleum was completed in about three months, with military engineers and museum technical teams working together to finish most of the works. A joint inspection of the grounds was conducted by 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. They confirmed that the October 7 handover and State dedication would be an invitation-only event featuring full military honours.
Due to space constraints and security protocols, the public has been advised not to attend the ceremony in person. Instead, the State will broadcast the event live on national television and set up public viewing screens at Nyamira School, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, and in Bondo town. Public access to the mausoleum will begin on Thursday, October 8. This will allow the public to pay their respects to Raila Odinga and his father.
A family-led candlelight vigil is scheduled for 6 p.m. on October 14 at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, ahead of the main public memorial service on October 15 at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo. The memorial service will be open to all mourners, providing an opportunity for the public to pay their respects. The government and the Odinga family have also announced parallel memorial initiatives.
The government and the Odinga family have announced plans to establish a Democracy Institute in Raila Odinga’s name at the University of Nairobi. Additional projects will also be implemented at the Kenya School of Government. These initiatives aim to honour Raila Odinga’s legacy and contributions to Kenyan politics. The projects will be undertaken in collaboration with relevant institutions.
The mausoleum was constructed under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, with the involvement of military engineers and museum technical teams. The National Museums of Kenya has listed the mausoleum as part of the country’s national heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The handover ceremony will be led by President William Ruto.
The handover ceremony of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum is set to take place on October 7, followed by a restricted dedication ceremony. The event will be attended by high-profile officials, and the public will be able to view it through live broadcasts and public screens. The mausoleum will be open to the public from October 8, allowing people to visit and pay their respects.
Key points
- The Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum 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, with public viewing screens set up in various locations.
- Public access to the mausoleum will begin on October 8, with a memorial service scheduled for October 15.
