President William Ruto will tomorrow, October 7, lead the dedication and official commissioning of the mausoleum of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
The ceremony comes as Kenya marks one year since Raila’s death and during Mwezi wa Baba, a month dedicated to remembering and honouring his life, political career and contribution to the country.
Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo said the commissioning will mark an important moment in preserving the history and legacy of the former Prime Minister.
Cheptumo said the mausoleum should be viewed beyond its physical structure, describing it as a repository of memory, history and identity through which future generations can learn about Raila and the period in which he lived and served.
“A mausoleum is not merely a structure. It is a repository of memory, history and identity,” Cheptumo said.
She said the site would provide a physical space where Kenyans and future generations can encounter Raila’s story and understand his place in the country’s history.
The mausoleum was completed through the Kenya Defence Forces, with its transition to the stewardship of the National Museums of Kenya expected to place greater emphasis on its preservation and interpretation.
Cheptumo said the National Museums of Kenya will have the responsibility of ensuring the site is professionally conserved, documented, interpreted and protected for generations.
“The transition into the stewardship of the National Museums of Kenya now brings an equally important responsibility to ensure that the site is professionally conserved, documented, interpreted and protected for generations to come,” she said.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, after a long career in Kenyan public life that included serving as prime minister and opposition leader.
Cheptumo said his legacy was closely linked to important chapters in Kenya’s history, including the country’s democratic development and constitutional transformation.
“The legacy of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga is inseparable from important chapters in Kenya’s history,” she said.
She added that his engagement with Pan-African ideals and decades in public life would remain part of the historical record that future generations should be able to study and understand.
The commissioning will bring together national leaders, family members, friends, political allies and members of the public as the country reflects on Raila’s contribution to Kenya.
Cheptumo also credited President Ruto’s leadership for the completion of the national project.
“I commend President William Ruto for his leadership that has brought this national undertaking to completion,” she said.
The mausoleum is expected to become an important heritage site at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, providing a permanent location for the preservation and interpretation of Raila’s life and public legacy.
The government has framed the commissioning as part of broader efforts to preserve sites and memories associated with prominent figures who shaped Kenya’s history.
