The mausoleum of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo is set to be formally unveiled on Wednesday, October 7, in a ceremony reserved for invited guests and state officials.
The ceremony at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi will mark the completion of construction works at the Odinga family compound. President William Ruto is expected to lead the event alongside members of the Odinga family and other invited dignitaries.
Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, said the work was nearing completion after about three months of construction.
Mama Ida Odinga during an inspection of the mausoleum in Bondo.
“Today is a very special day because we are almost at the end of the construction work that has been going on in this compound,” she said during an inspection of the site on Friday.
The unveiling will be conducted with military honours and will not be open to the general public because of limited space at the mausoleum.
Deputy Chief of Staff Josephat Nanok said the ceremony had been organised in line with the honours accorded to former heads of state and government.
“This will be a state ceremony, and it will be a military honours ceremony,” Nanok said.
The government has advised members of the public not to travel to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi on Wednesday. Instead, live viewing screens will be installed at selected venues in Bondo town, while the ceremony will also be broadcast live.
Public tribute planned for October 15
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo said the restricted unveiling should not be confused with the larger public commemoration planned for October 15.
He said Kenyans would be able to visit the mausoleum from Thursday, October 8, while the October 15 event would provide a broader opportunity for the public to honour the former Prime Minister.
“October 7 is not the day to come here. It is a restricted, invitation-only ceremony because of the space and the nature of the military-led ceremony,” Otiende said.
The government said the mausoleum and other facilities at the compound have been placed under the protection of the National Museums of Kenya.
Works have also included improvements to the museum dedicated to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and the establishment of a new museum for Raila.
Nanok said a borehole was being installed at the compound, with another planned for the surrounding community.
Raila, who died earlier this year, will be laid to rest at the mausoleum alongside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
The government has also announced plans to establish a Democracy Institute in Raila’s name at the University of Nairobi as part of efforts to preserve his political and democratic legacy.
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