The formal handover of Raila Odinga's mausoleum at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo took place on Wednesday, October 7, during a solemn dedication ceremony attended by senior political leaders, including President William Ruto. The mausoleum, which was constructed within three months, now holds the remains of both Raila and his father Jaramogi. Raila died on October 15, 2025, and Kenya is approaching the first anniversary of his passing.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga, who remains admitted at a Nairobi hospital, was unable to attend in person. His son Jaoko Oburu stepped in to deliver the family tribute on his behalf, informing those gathered that his father was unwell but was recovering and had conveyed his apologies. Jaoko read a tribute on behalf of his ailing father, describing the mausoleum as a living centre of democracy honouring a multi-generational liberation struggle.
Reading from his father's prepared remarks, Jaoko described the monument as far more than a resting place, framing it as a symbol of Kenya's democratic journey spanning two generations of the Odinga family. The statement traced the family's political lineage from the late patriarch Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who fought for internal self-governance and the birth of multi-party democracy, to Raila Amolo Odinga, who carried that mantle through Kenya's second liberation struggles and the realisation of the 2010 Constitution.
Oburu's tribute also addressed his own health directly, acknowledging the gravity of his condition while reassuring supporters that his focus remained on the ceremony and the cause it represented. He used the tribute to affirm ODM's participation in the broad-based government, citing the National Infrastructure Fund, universal health coverage through the SHA programme, fertiliser subsidies, and educational reforms as evidence of what political unity could deliver for Kenya.
The tribute concluded with a rallying call: "Long live the spirit of Baba, long live the legacy of Baba, and long live power." Oburu's secretariat debunked social media claims that the 82-year-old ODM boss had passed away. In a statement, the office called out a blogger, Maverick Aoko, for fueling the misinformation and urged a proper use of social media.
Nancy Odindo, a current affairs writer at Tuko.co.ke, reported that the ceremony was attended by senior political leaders, including President William Ruto. The mausoleum was erected in honour of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga and is seen as a symbol of Kenya's democratic journey.
The handover ceremony marked a significant milestone in the country's history, with the mausoleum serving as a reminder of the Odinga family's contributions to Kenya's democracy. The event was a testament to the family's legacy and their commitment to the country's democratic journey.
Key points
- The mausoleum of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was formally handed over at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
- ODM leader Oburu Oginga shared a tribute on behalf of his ailing father, describing the mausoleum as a living centre of democracy.
- The ceremony was attended by senior political leaders, including President William Ruto, and marked a significant milestone in the country's history.
