Ruto to Commission Raila Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo Today

President William Ruto will officially commission the mausoleum of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo today (Wednesday, October 7, 2026).

The ceremony marks a key moment as Kenya observes the first anniversary of the opposition leader’s passing during Mwezi wa Baba, a month dedicated to honoring his life and national legacy.

Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Wendot highlighted the significance of the occasion in a statement released Tuesday, describing the facility as a central monument of national memory.

“A mausoleum is not merely a structure. It is a repository of memory, history, and identity,” Wendot stated.

“The occasion comes during #MweziwaBaba, the month dedicated to remembering and honouring the life, legacy and contribution of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, as the Nation marks one year since his passing.”

Transition to the National Museums of Kenya

Constructed by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the mausoleum will formally transition to the care of the National Museums of Kenya following Wednesday’s commissioning ceremony.

CS Wendot noted that the agency will manage, preserve, and document the site to safeguard Raila’s contributions to Kenya’s constitutional development, democratic expansion, and Pan-African movement.

“The completion of the mausoleum through the Kenya Defence Forces marks an important milestone. Its 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 added.

Wendot commended President Ruto for overseeing the national monument’s completion and ensuring a dignified handover.

Public Viewing and Event Logistics

Due to space constraints and the solemn nature of the military-led proceedings, the primary commissioning event at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi will remain restricted to invited guests.

Professor Adams Oloo leads the national steering committee coordinating the anniversary events. Steering committee member and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo confirmed that the public can gather at nearby Nyamira Primary School to watch live broadcasts of the military ceremony.

Members of the public will receive access to enter the mausoleum and view the monument once the formal military commissioning concludes.

Wednesday’s commissioning precedes the broader national memorial service planned for October 15, 2026.

Simultaneously, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has rolled out a month-long schedule of regional activities celebrating its founding leader. The party’s tribute program will conclude with a major public rally in Nairobi on October 31, 2026.

The post Ruto to Commission Raila Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo Today appeared first on Nairobi Wire.