A video showing Raila Odinga's mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County, has been circulating online, giving Kenyans a glimpse into the near-complete memorial. The structure, located at the Odinga family's ancestral home, features an elegant indoor corridor lined with marble and adorned with historical photographs and stained-glass windows. The memorial is a tribute to one of Kenya's most influential political figures, Raila Odinga, who served as Prime Minister and perennial presidential candidate.
Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru visited the site on September 30, 2026, to inspect the progress of the construction. He confirmed that the memorial is over 95 percent complete, with finishing touches still underway. Mariru stated that the project has made significant progress in just two months, following the Ministry of Defence's takeover of the construction in July 2026, as directed by President William Ruto.
The Ministry of Defence is working jointly with the National Museums of Kenya, under Director General Prof. Mary Gikungu, to complete the project. The mausoleum's design is a permanent tribute to Raila Odinga, featuring a bronze-gold emblem depicting him in his signature hat, smiling and raising his fist. The structure's exterior is clad in stone, with a high triangular roof, brown pillars, and a large lion statue standing guard at the entrance.
The mausoleum's location holds significant historical importance, as it is situated alongside the resting place of Raila's father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first vice president. This proximity makes the site a powerful intersection of family legacy and national political history. The structure is designed to honor Raila Odinga's decades-long impact on Kenyan politics.
The official unveiling of the mausoleum is expected to take place in the coming days, drawing significant public and political interest from across the country. Raila Odinga's son, Raila Junior, recently visited the site and greeted workers and community members, offering a glimpse into the tribute nearing completion.
The construction of the mausoleum was taken over by the Ministry of Defence in July 2026, following a presidential directive. The project has been implemented jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the National Museums of Kenya. The site is set to become a significant landmark in Kenyan history, honoring one of the country's most consequential political figures.
With the unveiling expected soon, Kenyans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to visit the mausoleum and pay their respects to Raila Odinga. The memorial's completion marks a new chapter in the history of Kang'o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, and is set to draw visitors from across the country.
Key points
- The mausoleum is over 95 percent complete and features a marble-lined corridor with historical photographs and stained-glass windows.
- The Ministry of Defence took over the construction in July 2026, following a presidential directive from President William Ruto.
- The mausoleum's location holds significant historical importance, situated alongside the resting place of Raila's father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
