Construction of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County, has reached the halfway mark, with the government expressing confidence that the national memorial will be completed by the end of September 2026. Principal Secretary for Defence Patrick Mariru said the project is progressing according to schedule following a fresh inspection of the site.
Highlights
- The mausoleum is now 50 per cent complete.
- The project is being overseen by the Ministry of Defence.
- Completion is targeted for the end of September 2026.
- The memorial is being built next to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s resting place.
- Its pentagonal design carries symbolism linked to Raila Odinga’s political journey.
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Construction Reaches Key Milestone
Principal Secretary for Defence Patrick Mariru has said construction of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, is progressing well.
Mariru made the announcement after touring the construction site to assess the work and determine whether the project remains on track for completion within the planned timeline.
According to the PS, approximately 50 per cent of the construction work has now been completed.
Government Confident of September Deadline
The Ministry of Defence is supervising the construction, with the project expected to be completed by the end of September 2026.
Mariru said the progress recorded since the groundbreaking demonstrates that the construction teams are working at the required pace.
He expressed confidence that the remaining work can be completed within the set deadline.
The inspection comes roughly a month after the project was officially launched, giving government officials an opportunity to evaluate progress and identify any issues that could affect completion.
A Memorial Next to Jaramogi’s Resting Place
The mausoleum is being constructed next to the resting place of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice-President and Raila Odinga’s father.
The location gives the project an important historical dimension, bringing together two generations of the Odinga family’s contribution to Kenya’s political history.
The planned memorial is expected to serve as a place where members of the public and future generations can learn about and reflect on Raila Odinga’s life and public service.
Design Carries Political Symbolism
The structure has been designed with a distinctive pentagonal shape.
The architectural concept is linked to Raila Odinga’s political journey and the era associated with the political Pentagon, a coalition that played a significant role in Kenya’s political history.
The government says the design is intended to give the memorial a distinctive identity while incorporating elements connected to Raila’s legacy.
Focus on a Lasting National Memorial
Mariru said the progress at the site reflects efforts by the various teams involved to deliver a dignified and lasting memorial.
The project is expected to preserve aspects of Raila Odinga’s legacy while creating a physical space where future generations can reflect on his contribution to Kenya’s political and public life.
During the inspection, the PS was accompanied by Bondo Deputy County Commissioner Ali Manduku.
With the project now halfway complete, attention will shift to the remaining construction work as the September deadline approaches.
As the mausoleum takes shape beside Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s resting place, the site is set to become a lasting space where Kenya’s political history and Raila Odinga’s legacy meet.
