President William Ruto on Wednesday, October 7, presided over the official commissioning and handover of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
The state-funded national landmark, which honors the late former prime minister, was officially handed over to the National Museums of Kenya to preserve his political legacy. Built beside the resting place of his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the complex features historic political archives and quotes spanning generations of Kenya’s liberation struggles.
Speaking during the handover and dedication ceremony, President Ruto praised Odinga’s lifelong commitment to democratic governance and national unity.
“In Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya lost a leader extraordinaire, a man of uncommon courage,” President Ruto said, describing Odinga’s legacy as one centered on “equitable transformation.” ” He believed no person and no region should be left behind, not because of their background, not because of their tribe, not because of how they voted.”
The ceremony was attended by key leaders across the political divide, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and members of the Odinga family, including Dr. Ida Odinga, Winnie Odinga, and Raila Odinga Jr., East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA). MP Winnie Odinga urged political actors to observe a “political ceasefire” throughout the memorial period, which is set to culminate in a final national memorial rally in Nairobi on October 31.
Public access to the mausoleum officially opens today, October 8, allowing citizens and international visitors to pay homage to the political giant.