Winnie Odinga, daughter of late opposition stalwart Raila Odinga, shared a heartfelt message on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, after her father's mausoleum was officially handed over at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County. The ceremony, led by President William Ruto, marked a significant day for the Odinga family and supporters of Raila Odinga. In an Instagram post, Winnie expressed her sentiments, saying the mausoleum would keep her father's memory alive for future generations.
The mausoleum, constructed by Kenya Defence Forces engineers over approximately three months, features a unique pentagonal design symbolizing strength, unity, and collective purpose. The structure, which opens to the general public from Thursday, October 8, 2026, includes a grave room with a polished black marble platform holding Raila's burial site. The site is managed by the National Museums of Kenya as a protected national heritage and education site.
President William Ruto presided over the invite-only dedication ceremony, which featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque alongside Mama Ida Odinga and a military band performance paying tribute to Raila Odinga. Due to security and space constraints, members of the public were advised not to attend in person, but live broadcast arrangements were put in place with public viewing screens set up at Bondo Town, Nyamira School, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
The mausoleum, located at Kang'o ka Jaramogi, is distinct from the hexagonal mausoleum of Raila's father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, which stands nearby. The complex serves as a gallery lined with backlit photographs and information panels tracing Raila's political journey and legacy. Wildlife and buffalo sculptures frame the vintage-style entrance, adding character to the site.
From Thursday, October 8, 2026, Kenyans across the country are welcome to visit the mausoleum and pay their respects to one of Kenya's most consequential political figures. The opening marks a significant transition for the site, from a private resting place to a public memorial accessible to all who wish to honour Raila Odinga.
Winnie Odinga's message on Instagram reflected the family's sentiments, saying, "Today was a significant day for our family and for everyone who continues to carry Baba's memory close to their hearts. May this place keep his memory alive, and may every generation that visits here find something of his story to carry forward."
Key points
- The mausoleum was constructed by Kenya Defence Forces engineers over approximately three months.
- President William Ruto led the invite-only state ceremony.
- The mausoleum opens to the general public from Thursday, October 8, 2026.
