The mausoleum of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Kenya, is nearing completion. The official handover and unveiling are scheduled for October 7. Raila's widow, Ida Odinga, announced that the ceremony will bring together President William Ruto, other Kenyan dignitaries, and international guests. Preparations for the memorial activities are ongoing, with construction works almost complete.
Ida Odinga stated that the October 7 event marks an important stage in establishing Raila's final resting place. The handover ceremony will take place within the Kang’o Ka Jaramogi compound, with arrangements made to accommodate invited guests. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo outlined the programme, noting that the unveiling will be a restricted, invitation-only ceremony due to limited space and the event's nature.
Otiende Amollo urged the public not to travel to the mausoleum on October 7, citing alternative venues where they can follow the proceedings. Screens will be set up at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology and other designated venues to allow the public to watch the ceremony. The public will be allowed to visit the mausoleum from October 8, a day after the restricted unveiling.
The October 7 unveiling is part of a wider programme leading up to the main public commemoration of Raila's life on October 15 in Bondo. Otiende Amollo emphasized the distinction between the October 7 unveiling and subsequent public activities. The national steering committee and government team involved in preparations have inspected the mausoleum and discussed the programme.
The inspection included the state team led by Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo and the National Steering Committee chaired by Professor Adams Oloo. Ida Odinga has urged Kenyans to participate in candlelight ceremonies being held to honour Raila. She called on Kenyans to light candles at 6 pm as part of activities marking the beginning of “Mwezi wa Baba”, a month dedicated to remembering the former Prime Minister.
The candlelight ceremonies are being held at various venues across Kenya, with ODM organising events in several counties. Ida Odinga said lighting a candle would be a fitting tribute to Raila as the country enters the month of his death. The activities are expected to culminate in the October 15 public commemoration in Bondo, bringing together Raila’s family, political allies, supporters, and members of the public.
The mausoleum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi is expected to become a key site for visitors seeking to honour Raila and reflect on his decades-long contribution to Kenya’s political and public life. The October 15 public commemoration will celebrate Raila's life and legacy, with the mausoleum serving as a lasting tribute to his memory.
Key points
- The mausoleum of Raila Odinga is nearing completion and will be unveiled on October 7.
- The unveiling ceremony will be restricted and invitation-only due to limited space.
- The public will be allowed to visit the mausoleum from October 8.
