The family of the late Raila Odinga has officially handed over the site where a KSh 30 million mausoleum will be built, marking a significant step in plans to honour one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
The ceremony took place at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, where family members formally transferred the construction site to the team tasked with delivering the project.
The mausoleum will serve as a permanent memorial to Raila Odinga, whose decades-long political career shaped Kenya’s democratic journey and left a lasting imprint on national politics.
According to those overseeing the project, construction is expected to begin immediately, with completion targeted before the first anniversary of Raila’s death. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are expected to undertake the construction.
Family representatives said the project is intended to preserve Raila’s legacy for future generations and create a place where Kenyans can reflect on his contribution to the country.
The planned mausoleum has also drawn public interest because of its estimated KSh 30 million cost. Supporters argue the memorial is a fitting tribute to a leader whose influence extended beyond party politics, while others have questioned the use of public resources, underscoring the broader debate over how Kenya commemorates its national figures.
The site handover marks the beginning of the construction phase, bringing the long-awaited project closer to reality as preparations continue for the memorial’s completion in the coming months.
About the Author
