Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya emphasized that constructing the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum represents a national commitment to honoring the legacy of the late former Prime Minister and chronicling Kenya’s democratic journey for future generations.
During the groundbreaking ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, on July 20, 2026, Tuya announced that the government has tasked the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) with the project’s implementation, citing their proven success in delivering significant infrastructure initiatives.
“The Ministry of Defence is managing this mausoleum project, leveraging the disciplined capacity and meticulous delivery of infrastructure by our Kenya Defence Forces,” she stated.
This initiative follows the Raila Odinga family’s handover of the site to the government, with the National Museums of Kenya responsible for overseeing the heritage development.
A Monument to Celebrate Raila’s Legacy
Tuya outlined that the first phase of the project aims to honor Raila Odinga’s contributions to Kenya’s political landscape while establishing a national heritage site.
“Phase one is designed to feature a national monument that documents Raila Odinga’s political journey and contributions, alongside a public learning and archival center dedicated to Kenya’s democratic history. This cultural and tourism landmark will enhance Kisumu’s heritage profile and enrich the entire country,” the CS explained.
The mausoleum will encompass a main memorial hall, archival galleries, exhibition spaces, a landscaped reflection courtyard, visitor amenities, security installations, and upgraded facilities.
Planned adjacent to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum, where Kenya’s first vice president was laid to rest in 1994, the project also includes renovations and upgrades to the existing memorial.
Project Expanded in Honor of Raila’s Legacy
Culture, Arts and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir revealed that discussions regarding improvements to the Jaramogi mausoleum began in 2024, following Raila Odinga’s expressed desire to preserve the historic site.
Initially, the proposal centered on renovating the existing mausoleum; however, the scope expanded following Raila Odinga’s passing on October 15, 2025.
The former prime minister was interred at his Kang’o ka Jaramogi home on October 19, 2025, alongside his mother, Mary Ajuma Odinga.
In light of his death, the government broadened the project to include a dedicated mausoleum in his honor.
Bashir noted that President William Ruto instructed that the project be completed within a strict timeline, resulting in the Ministry of Defence and the Kenya Defence Forces overseeing the construction.
She expressed confidence that the facility would be finished by September 30, 2026, ahead of the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s passing.
A Heritage and Tourism Landmark
The planned mausoleum will feature research facilities, digital archives, a library, an amphitheater, and landscaped public spaces designed for both educational and tourism purposes.
The design includes a circular central memorial linked by pedestrian walkways and reflection gardens that lead to exhibition and learning areas.
Kang’o ka Jaramogi stands as one of Kenya’s most significant historical sites, serving as the final resting place for several members of the Odinga family while preserving a crucial chapter of the country’s political history.
Raila Odinga Junior has actively participated in consultations regarding the site handover and is committed to preserving his father’s legacy, including overseeing the restoration of Raila Odinga’s 2007 campaign Hummer, which is set to become part of the family’s museum collection.
The National Museums of Kenya has successfully completed the procurement process under Tender No. NMK/T/03/RAO/MAUS/2025-2026, clearing the way for construction to commence.
Once completed, the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum will stand as a national memorial, celebrating the life of the former prime minister while safeguarding Kenya’s democratic and political heritage for generations to come.
