President William Ruto has officially unveiled and dedicated the mausoleum of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
Ruto led the ceremony on Wednesday alongside Raila’s widow, Mama Idah Odinga, members of the Odinga family, clergy and other dignitaries before a memorial service at the site. (Citizen)
During the ceremony, the President read a presidential citation honouring Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s political and democratic history.
Ruto described the former Prime Minister as a courageous leader, patriot and Pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the pursuit of freedom, justice and democracy.
He reflected on Raila’s decades-long political career, including periods of detention and political adversity, saying the former Prime Minister remained committed to the pursuit of a fairer and more democratic Kenya.
The President said the country had lost an extraordinary leader who occupied a central place in Kenya’s political history and the expansion of democratic space.
Ruto dedicates mausoleum to Raila’s legacy
Ruto said the mausoleum would serve not only as Raila’s final resting place but also as a lasting testament to his contribution to Kenya’s democracy.
The ceremony culminated in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Ruto and Mama Idah before the memorial service began at Kang’o ka Jaramogi. (Citizen)
The mausoleum stands at the family’s Kang’o ka Jaramogi compound, where Raila was buried alongside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, in October 2025. (Kenyan Presidential Website)
Mama Idah dedicates site to God
Mama Idah later formally dedicated the mausoleum to God and invited the church to bless the grounds.
Flanked by family members and government officials, she said the site should remain a sanctuary of peace and a reminder of Raila’s life of public service.
The Wednesday ceremony was part of wider commemorations marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death, with additional family and public events planned throughout October. (Citizen)
