Raila Jnr speaks during the commission of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo on October 7, 2026./SCREENGRABRaila Odinga Junior has called for unity among the Luo Nyanza community as he paid tribute to his late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, during the commissioning of his mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County.
Speaking at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi on Wednesday, Raila Junior lauded President William Ruto for significant contribution to Luo Nyanza as he rallied the region to back his re-election bid.
“I am the son of Raila. People of the Lake (Jokanyanam): Unity is power; our house is one. President William Ruto has done a lot for us, and we thank him and we support him,” he said.
He made the remarks during a ceremony led by President William Ruto to officially commission the mausoleum of the former prime minister, who died in October 2025.
Raila Jnr paused to reflect on the vision behind the mausoleum.
"Today marks an important milestone in a journey that began with a vision to establish a dignified resting place and a lasting monument for our father, leader and great son of Kenya," Raila Jnr said.
Raila Junior also reiterated his previously announced intention to contest the Kibra parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, saying he hoped to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“In 2027, I want to run for the Kibra MP, my father’s old post; please support me,” he said.
The ceremony is being held as Kenya marks one year since Raila’s death, with the mausoleum expected to preserve his memory and political legacy for future generations.
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.
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.
