President William Ruto has officially unveiled and dedicated the mausoleum of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, in a ceremony attended by his widow Mama Idah Odinga, family members, clergy and other dignitaries.
Highlights
- Ruto unveiled Raila Odinga’s mausoleum in Bondo.
- The President honoured Raila’s political and democratic legacy.
- Mama Idah Odinga dedicated the site to God.
- The family described the mausoleum as a place of peace and remembrance.
- A memorial service followed the unveiling ceremony.
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Ruto Leads Mausoleum Unveiling
President William Ruto has officially unveiled the mausoleum of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
The ceremony brought together Raila’s family, including his widow Mama Idah Odinga, religious leaders, government officials and other invited guests.
The unveiling was followed by a memorial service at the site as family and guests gathered to honour the life and legacy of the veteran politician.
President Pays Tribute to Raila
During the ceremony, President Ruto delivered a presidential citation recognising Raila’s decades of service to Kenya.
Ruto portrayed the late former Prime Minister as a fearless patriot and Pan-Africanist whose public life was closely associated with the push for greater democratic freedoms, justice and political reforms.
The President also reflected on the difficult chapters of Raila’s political journey, including periods of detention and opposition to successive governments.
He said Raila remained committed to his political ideals despite the challenges he faced throughout his career.
According to Ruto, Kenya had lost a significant figure whose influence was felt across the country’s long journey towards expanding democratic participation and political space.
Mausoleum to Preserve Raila’s Legacy
Ruto said the newly unveiled site would serve a purpose beyond being Raila’s final resting place.
He described it as a permanent reminder of the former Prime Minister’s contribution to Kenya’s political and democratic history.
The site at Kang’o ka Jaramogi is expected to become an important place for those seeking to remember Raila’s life, political journey and impact on the country.
Mama Idah Dedicates the Site
Mama Idah Odinga later led the spiritual dedication of the mausoleum.
She formally committed the site to God and invited the church to bless the grounds.
Speaking alongside members of the Odinga family and government officials, Mama Idah said she hoped the mausoleum would remain a peaceful place where Raila’s memory and commitment to public service could be honoured.
The ceremony concluded with Ruto and Mama Idah unveiling a commemorative plaque before the memorial service began.
Raila’s political legacy continues to feature prominently in Kenya’s public discourse, with his influence remaining particularly significant within the Orange Democratic Movement and among generations of Kenyans who followed his decades-long political journey.
For a leader whose political journey spanned generations, Raila Odinga’s final resting place now stands as a physical reminder of a life that left an unmistakable mark on Kenya’s history.
