The construction of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, has entered its final phase, with the project now reported to be more than 95 per cent complete.

Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru on Wednesday, September 30, led a team from the Ministry of Defence to inspect the project and assess its readiness ahead of the planned unveiling next week.

The inspection comes as preparations intensify for a series of memorial activities in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, whose first death anniversary will be marked later this month.

According to Mariru, the Ministry of Defence took over the implementation of the mausoleum project in July 2026 and has overseen significant progress in the construction within the past two months.

The Defence PS said the latest inspection was aimed at assessing the remaining works and determining whether the facility was ready for the planned unveiling.

Mariru was accompanied by officials from the National Museums of Kenya, led by Director General Professor Mary Gikungu. Other officials involved in the inspection included representatives from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Government Administration and officials from Bondo Sub-County.

Final stages of construction

The development of the mausoleum has progressed rapidly since the Ministry of Defence assumed responsibility for the project.

Mariru said the project is now more than 95 per cent complete, with the remaining work largely involving final finishing, inspections and preparations for the unveiling.

The mausoleum is being constructed at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, the historic Odinga family home in Bondo, where Raila Odinga was laid to rest following his death in October 2025.

The new memorial stands alongside the resting place of Raila's father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice President.

The location therefore carries significant historical importance for the Odinga family and for Kenya's political history.

The project is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the National Museums of Kenya following a directive from President William Ruto. The Defence Ministry is overseeing the construction, while the National Museums of Kenya is providing heritage and technical support.

A permanent memorial

The mausoleum is intended to serve as a permanent memorial for Raila Odinga and a site where Kenyans and visitors can remember his life and public service.

Raila was one of Kenya's most prominent political figures, having served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 and played a major role in the country's political development for several decades.

His political journey included years of opposition politics, constitutional reform campaigns and participation in successive presidential elections.

The memorial project therefore comes at a time when preparations are underway to commemorate his life and reflect on his contribution to Kenya.

The structure at Kang’o ka Jaramogi is expected to form an important part of the wider activities planned to mark the first anniversary of his death.

Inspection by Defence officials

During the latest inspection, Mariru and his team assessed the progress of construction and the readiness of different sections of the facility.

The inspection brought together technical teams responsible for the project as officials reviewed the remaining work.

National Museums of Kenya Director General Professor Mary Gikungu led the museum's delegation during the visit.

The involvement of NMK reflects the heritage aspect of the project, given the historical significance of Kang’o ka Jaramogi and the role of the Odinga family in Kenya's history.

The collaboration between the Defence Ministry and NMK has allowed construction and heritage considerations to be handled alongside each other.

With the project now beyond the 95 per cent mark, attention has shifted towards completing the final details before the unveiling.

From construction site to memorial landmark

The mausoleum has undergone significant transformation since construction began.

Earlier images from the site showed workers undertaking structural and finishing works, with sections of the building still under construction.

Recent updates indicate that the project has moved into the final phase, with much of the major construction work completed.

The structure has a distinctive architectural design and is expected to become a prominent landmark at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.

Earlier reports showed the mausoleum taking shape ahead of the first anniversary of Raila's death, with Raila Odinga Junior also visiting the site to inspect the progress of construction.

The continued visits by officials and members of the Odinga family have highlighted the importance attached to completing the project ahead of the planned memorial events.

Raila's final resting place

Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India.

His death triggered widespread mourning across Kenya and beyond, with thousands of people participating in funeral and memorial activities.

He was buried at Kang’o ka Jaramogi on October 19, 2025, at the family compound in Bondo.

His final resting place is located next to the mausoleum of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

The construction of the new mausoleum has since added another significant memorial structure to the historic family compound.

The site is expected to attract visitors interested in learning more about Raila's life, political career and contribution to Kenya.

Memorial activities gather pace

The progress of the mausoleum comes as political parties, leaders, family members and supporters prepare for a series of activities to commemorate Raila.

The Orange Democratic Movement has announced plans for a nationwide candle-lighting event on Friday, October 2, 2026.

The party has called on Kenyans to participate in the candle-lighting ceremony in remembrance of the late former Prime Minister.

In Nairobi, the main event is scheduled to take place at Uhuru Park, while other activities are expected in different parts of the country.

ODM has also dedicated October to activities aimed at remembering Raila and reflecting on issues associated with his political journey and public life.

The memorial programme is expected to build towards the first anniversary of Raila's death on October 15.

Government involvement

The involvement of the national government in the construction of the mausoleum has attracted public attention because of the political relationship between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga.

Ruto and Raila worked together under the broad framework of the Kenya Kwanza-Azimio cooperation commonly referred to as the broad-based government arrangement.

The President subsequently directed the construction of the memorial, with the Ministry of Defence taking responsibility for the project.

The government has maintained that the mausoleum is part of efforts to honour the legacy of a former Prime Minister and prominent Kenyan statesman.

The project is being undertaken at a site already associated with Kenya's independence history and the Odinga family's contribution to national politics.

Kang’o ka Jaramogi's historical significance

Kang’o ka Jaramogi has long been associated with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and the political history of Kenya.

Jaramogi served as Kenya's first Vice President and was one of the country's leading figures during the struggle for independence and the early years of self-government.

The family compound in Bondo has therefore become an important historical location.

The addition of Raila's mausoleum is expected to strengthen its role as a place of remembrance.

The site could also provide an opportunity for future generations to learn about the political history of Kenya and the role played by the Odinga family.

The National Museums of Kenya's involvement is particularly significant in this regard because of its mandate to preserve and promote Kenya's heritage.

Heritage and preservation

Beyond the physical structure, the development of the mausoleum has a wider heritage dimension.

The project involves not only the construction of a memorial but also work connected to the preservation of the history associated with the site.

According to earlier reports, the broader development includes heritage-related elements and improvements around the existing Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum.

Such developments could transform Kang’o ka Jaramogi into an important heritage destination.

Visitors could have an opportunity to learn about the lives of both Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Raila Odinga, as well as the political developments that shaped Kenya over several decades.

Final preparations

With construction now reported at more than 95 per cent, the focus has shifted from major structural works to final preparations.

Officials are expected to continue inspecting the site, checking completed sections and ensuring that the facility is ready for the planned unveiling.

The remaining work is expected to include finishing touches, landscaping, technical checks and other preparations required before the facility is formally opened.

The inspection led by Mariru signals that the government is closely monitoring the final stage of the project.

The timing is also significant because the unveiling is expected to take place ahead of the first anniversary memorial activities.

A moment of remembrance

For Raila's family, supporters and many Kenyans who followed his political journey, the completion of the mausoleum represents another stage in preserving his memory.

Raila was a central figure in Kenya's political life for decades, and his supporters often referred to him as "Baba."

His political career was marked by both periods of opposition and government participation.

He was also a key figure in Kenya's constitutional reform process and served as Prime Minister during the Grand Coalition Government between 2008 and 2013.

The memorial therefore provides a physical location where his life and public contribution can be remembered.

Looking ahead to the unveiling

As the mausoleum approaches full completion, attention is now turning to the planned unveiling next week.

The latest inspection by the Defence Ministry and National Museums of Kenya has provided an update on the project's readiness.

The reported 95 per cent completion level means that only a small portion of the construction and preparation work remains.

The coming days are therefore expected to focus on finalising the site and preparing for the official event.

The unveiling will come against the backdrop of nationwide activities planned to honour Raila's memory.

It will also mark a new chapter for Kang’o ka Jaramogi, adding a new memorial landmark to a site already deeply connected to Kenya's political history.

For the government, the project demonstrates its commitment to completing the memorial ahead of the anniversary.

For the Odinga family and Raila's supporters, it will provide a permanent place where his life can be remembered.

And for future generations, the mausoleum is expected to become part of the historical record of a political figure whose influence extended across several decades of Kenya's history.

With the project now more than 95 per cent complete, the countdown to the unveiling has effectively begun.

The final touches are underway, officials are conducting inspections, and preparations are being made for the next stage of the memorial programme.

As Kang’o ka Jaramogi prepares to welcome visitors and mourners for the planned unveiling, the focus remains on completing the monument and preserving the memory of Raila Amolo Odinga for years to come.