CS Tuya says Raila mausoleum will preserve Kenya’s democratic history
By Faith Lagat, July 21, 2026Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has said the construction of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum is a national commitment aimed at preserving the legacy of the late former Prime Minister and documenting Kenya’s democratic journey for future generations.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, on Monday, July 20, 2026, Tuya said the government had assigned the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to oversee the project’s implementation because of their track record in delivering major infrastructure projects.
“The Ministry of Defence is undertaking project management for this mausoleum that we are groundbreaking for today, leveraging on the proven capacity and discipline and meticulous infrastructure delivery by our Kenya Defence Forces,” she said.
The project follows the handover of the site by the Raila Odinga family to the government, with the National Museums of Kenya overseeing the heritage development.
Memorial to document Raila’s legacy
Tuya said the first phase of the project is intended to preserve Raila Odinga’s contribution to Kenya’s political history while creating a national heritage site.
“Phase one of this project, as has been said, is envisioned to include a national monument documenting Raila Odinga’s political journey and contributions, a public learning and archival center for Kenya’s democratic history, a cultural and tourism landmark that strengthens Kisumu’s heritage profile and indeed the entire of Kenya,” the CS explained.
She said the project will feature a main memorial hall, archival galleries and exhibition spaces, a landscaped reflection courtyard, visitor amenities, security installations and upgraded facilities.
The mausoleum will be constructed adjacent to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum, where Kenya’s first vice president was buried in 1994. Plans also include renovation and upgrading of the existing Jaramogi memorial.
Project expanded after Raila’s death
Culture, Arts and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir said discussions on improving the Jaramogi mausoleum began in 2024 after Raila Odinga expressed interest in preserving the historic site.
According to Bashir, the initial proposal focused on renovating the existing mausoleum before the scope changed following Raila Odinga’s death on October 15, 2025.
The former prime minister was buried at his Kang’o ka Jaramogi home on October 19, 2025, beside his mother, Mary Ajuma Odinga.
Following his death, the government expanded the project to include a dedicated mausoleum in his honour.
Bashir said President William Ruto directed that the project be completed within a strict timeline, leading to the appointment of the Ministry of Defence and the Kenya Defence Forces to supervise construction.
She expressed confidence that the facility would be completed by September 30, 2026, ahead of the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death.
Heritage and tourism landmark
The planned mausoleum will include research facilities, digital archives, a library, an amphitheatre and landscaped public spaces designed to serve both educational and tourism purposes.
The design features a circular central memorial connected by pedestrian walkways and reflection gardens leading to exhibition and learning areas.
Kang’o ka Jaramogi remains one of Kenya’s most significant historical sites, serving as the final resting place of several members of the Odinga family and preserving a key chapter of the country’s political history.
Raila Odinga Junior participated in consultations leading to the handover of the site and has continued efforts to preserve his father’s legacy, including overseeing the restoration of Raila Odinga’s 2007 campaign Hummer, which is expected to become part of the family’s museum collection.
The National Museums of Kenya has already completed the procurement process under Tender No. NMK/T/03/RAO/MAUS/2025-2026, paving the way for construction to begin.
Once completed, the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum is expected to serve as a national memorial, documenting the life of the former prime minister while preserving Kenya’s democratic and political heritage for future generations.