Ruto leads Raila Odinga Mausoleum handover /HANDOUT
President William Ruto is currently leading the official commissioning of the Raila Odinga mausoleum in Opoda farm, Siaya county.
Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o have also arrived at Opoda Farm for the ceremony.
The governors are among leaders gathered in Siaya county ahead of the ceremony.
The mausoleum was constructed in honour of the former Prime Minister.
The event brings together national and county leaders, as well as Raila Odinga’s family, friends and supporters, to mark the completion and handover of the mausoleum.
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.
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.
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.
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.
