President William Ruto has commissioned and dedicated the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County. The ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, October 7, brought together Mama Ida Odinga, members of the Odinga family, church leaders, and other guests. Ruto paid tribute to Odinga's contribution to Kenya's democratic journey, describing him as a patriot, Pan-Africanist, and statesman.
Ruto recalled Odinga's years of political struggle, including detention and adversity, saying he remained committed to expanding Kenya's democratic space. "Through years of darkness, detention, sacrifice and adversity, he did not yield," Ruto noted. He described Odinga as a leader whose influence extended beyond electoral politics and became part of Kenya's national history.
The President recognized Odinga's family life, including his marriage to Mama Ida, his children, and extended family. Ruto said the mausoleum would stand as a reminder of Odinga's service and the principles he championed. "May his memorial endure as a solemn testament to his life and service and to the ideals of democracy, equitable development, true revolution and national unity for which he gave his all," he said.
Ruto formally dedicated the mausoleum under the Republic's seal during the ceremony. "For his service and sacrifice, and for the light he gave to this nation, the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga, the second Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, passes from the living memory of a generation into another enduring memory of the Republic," he declared.
The ceremony ended with the planting of a commemorative tree at the site. Odinga died on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India. The mausoleum is located at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, and was commissioned eight days before the first anniversary of Odinga's death.
The event was attended by Mama Ida Odinga, members of the Odinga family, church leaders, and other guests. Ruto's tribute to Odinga was part of the ceremony, which recognized the former prime minister's contributions to Kenya's democratic journey.
The commissioning of the Raila Odinga mausoleum is a significant event in Kenyan politics, marking the country's appreciation for Odinga's service and sacrifice. The mausoleum will serve as a reminder of Odinga's legacy and the principles he championed throughout his life.
Key points
- President William Ruto commissions Raila Odinga mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County.
- Ruto pays tribute to Odinga's contribution to Kenya's democratic journey.
- The mausoleum serves as a reminder of Odinga's service and the principles he championed.
