Raila Odinga mausoleum in Bondo to be handed to State on 7 October

The Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo is 98 per cent complete and will be formally handed over to the State on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) reported. Public access will begin on Thursday, 8 October.

The mausoleum is the resting place of Kenya's first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Listed for protection

KBC reports that the mausoleum complex "has been listed for protection by the National Museums of Kenya as part of the country's national heritage." Only KBC and Citizen Digital carry this detail; The Star's report does not mention a heritage designation, and Fica News has not seen a statement from the National Museums of Kenya itself.

According to KBC and Citizen Digital, the Ministry of Defence took charge of construction in July, with military engineers and museum technical teams completing most of the works in about three months.

The 7 October ceremony

KBC reports the handover will be followed by a restricted dedication ceremony led by President William Ruto. The event will be open only to invited guests. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo said, as reported by The Star, that it would be invitation-only "because of limited space and the nature of the event"; KBC cites space constraints and security protocols.

The State will broadcast the ceremony live on national television and set up public viewing screens at Nyamira School, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology and in Bondo town, KBC reports. The Star reports that Mr Amollo urged members of the public not to travel to the mausoleum on that day.

The Star reports that Raila Odinga's widow, Ida Odinga, said the ceremony would bring together President Ruto, other Kenyan dignitaries and guests from outside the country. She also said, "We are almost nearing the end of the construction work that has been going on here."

What follows

A family-led candlelight vigil is scheduled for 6 p.m. on 14 October at Kang'o ka Jaramogi. The main public memorial service will follow on 15 October at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo, open to all mourners, according to KBC and Citizen Digital.

The Star says Ida Odinga called on Kenyans to light candles at 6 p.m. on 2 October as part of activities marking the start of "Mwezi wa Baba", a month dedicated to remembering the former Prime Minister.

KBC and Citizen Digital add that the government and the Odinga family have announced a Democracy Institute in Raila Odinga's name at the University of Nairobi, and additional projects at the Kenya School of Government. No further detail on these was given in the reports reviewed.