Ida Odinga with other government officials on October 2, 2026/COURTESYThe mausoleum of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo is nearing completion, with the official handover and unveiling scheduled for October 7.
Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, said the ceremony next Wednesday will bring together President William Ruto, other Kenyan dignitaries and guests from outside the country.
Speaking as preparations for the memorial activities continued, Ida said the construction works were almost complete, and the October 7 event would mark an important stage in the establishment of Raila’s final resting place.
“We are almost nearing the end of the construction work that has been going on here. We are going to have another important occasion here on the 7th of October,” Ida said.
She said the handover ceremony would be held within the Kang’o Ka Jaramogi compound and arrangements would be made to accommodate those invited to the occasion.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who outlined the programme, said the October 7 unveiling would be a restricted, invitation-only ceremony because of limited space and the nature of the event.
He urged members of the public not to travel to the mausoleum on that day, saying alternative venues would be provided where they could follow the proceedings.
Otiende said screens would be set up at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology and other designated venues in the area to allow members of the public to watch the ceremony.
He said the public would be allowed to visit the mausoleum from October 8, a day after the restricted unveiling.
The arrangements are part of a wider programme leading up to the main public commemoration of Raila's life on October 15 in Bondo.
Otiende said the national steering committee and the government team involved in preparations had inspected the mausoleum and held discussions on the programme.
The inspection was led by the National Steering Committee chaired by Professor Adams Oloo.
The MP said the public should take note of the distinction between the October 7 unveiling and subsequent public activities.
Meanwhile, Ida has urged Kenyans across the country to participate in candlelight ceremonies being held today in honour of Raila.
She called on Kenyans from all walks of life to light candles at 6 pm as part of activities marking the beginning of “Mwezi wa Baba”, a month dedicated to remembering the former Prime Minister.
The candlelight ceremonies are being held at various venues across the country, with ODM organising events in several counties.
Ida said lighting a candle would be a fitting tribute to Raila as the country enters the month of his death.
The activities are expected to culminate in the October 15 public commemoration in Bondo, bringing together Raila’s family, political allies, supporters and members of the public.
The mausoleum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi is expected to become a key site for visitors seeking to honour Raila and reflect on his decades-long contribution to Kenya’s political and public life.
