President William Ruto has given the team building the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo until October 14, 2026, to finish the memorial, as preparations begin for the first anniversary of the former Prime Minister’s death.
The facility at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Siaya County, is being put up at the Odinga family home and is expected to be handed over to the family before events marking Raila’s first death anniversary on October 15.
Ruto issued the directive on Monday, September 14, during a media engagement at Kisumu State Lodge, where he said the government was working closely with Raila’s family on preparations for the October commemorations.
The President said the memorial would form part of efforts to remember Raila and honour his contribution to the country, describing the former opposition leader as a statesman who had a vision for Kenya.
“I already gave instructions on the building of the mausoleum in honour of the late prime minister and to also improve the mausoleum for Jaramogi. It’s my belief that it should be complete by 14th of next month so that we can hand it over to the family and to use it for remembrance of the late,” Ruto stated.
The project is under the Ministry of Defence, with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) carrying out the construction work.
Work on the new memorial started on July 20, 2026, at the Odinga family compound in Bondo. Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said the project was intended to preserve Raila’s legacy and record his role in Kenya’s democratic journey.
The first stage of construction features a main memorial hall, archival galleries, exhibition areas, a landscaped reflection courtyard, visitor facilities and security installations.
The new mausoleum is being built next to the existing Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum. The older facility is also scheduled for improvements as part of the project.
The National Museums of Kenya is handling the heritage side of the development after the Odinga family handed over the site.
Preparations for October anniversary
Ruto’s October 14 deadline comes as the Odinga family and the government step up preparations for the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
The mausoleum was earlier expected to be completed by the end of September. However, an update given in August showed that construction was about 50 per cent complete.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, and was buried four days later at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, where he was laid to rest beside his mother.
His family has set up a committee led by Professor Adams Oloo to organise and coordinate activities for the week of October 15, 2026.
Ruto said the government would support the family in arranging activities that would reflect Raila’s position as a national statesman.
The completion deadline means the memorial is expected to be ready just one day before the anniversary, allowing it to be used during the planned remembrance activities.
The Bondo mausoleum is among several measures being pursued to honour Raila following his death.
Ruto said talks were also taking place over a proposal to rename Kisumu International Airport after the former Prime Minister.
According to the President, the airport proposal is being discussed with Kisumu County leaders and residents.
Another tribute has already been confirmed, with Ruto saying Talanta Stadium in Nairobi will be known as Raila Odinga International Stadium once it opens.
The plans come as Kenya approaches October 15, when the country will mark one year since Raila’s death, with activities expected to be organised by both the government and his family.