The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has taken charge of the construction of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County, with the Government targeting completion by September 30.

Principal Secretary for Defence Patrick Mariru said the project, being constructed at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, would preserve the legacy of the late former Prime Minister and honour his contribution to Kenya’s unity, constitutional reforms and democratic governance.

In a post shared on his Facebook account on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Mariru said the project was being undertaken under the leadership of President William Ruto, with the Ministry of Defence overseeing its project management in collaboration with relevant government agencies.

National heritage project

“The late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga made an immense contribution to Kenya’s national unity, constitutional reforms, democratic governance and social progress. His enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of Kenyans,” Mariru said.

The PS said the mausoleum would include a main memorial hall, archival galleries and exhibition spaces, a landscaped reflection courtyard, visitor amenities and modern security installations.

He said the project would help preserve the memory of one of Kenya’s foremost statesmen and document his contribution to the country’s political evolution and democratic advancement.

KDF takes lead

Mariru accompanied Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya to Kang’o ka Jaramogi for the groundbreaking ceremony. Cooperatives and MSME Development CS Wycliffe Oparanya was also present.

The project is being implemented in collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya and the Siaya County Government.

The development comes after Raila’s family handed over the project site to the Government on Monday, July 20, 2026, paving the way for construction.

The new mausoleum will be built next to the existing Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum, where Kenya’s first Vice-President and Raila’s father was buried.

PS for Culture, the Arts and Heritage Ummi Bashir said the Ministry of Defence and the Kenya Defence Forces had been directed to support the project due to the tight completion schedule.

“The project here would take us very many months or even years to complete. And I’m glad that the Head of Public Service has expressly directed that CS Defence, PS Defence, and KDF take over this project because of the time limit that we have,” Bashir said.

Bashir said the Government was targeting completion and handover of the mausoleum by September 30, ahead of the first anniversary of Raila’s death on October 15.

Deadline set for completion

“I am very confident that this project will be done and handed over by the deadline that we have been given,” she said.

Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in Kochi, India. He was buried at Kang’o ka Jaramogi on October 19, 2025, according to his wishes.

The mausoleum is expected to include facilities such as research spaces, digital archives, a library and an amphitheatre where future generations can learn about Raila’s public life and contribution to Kenya.

When completed, the Raila Odinga Mausoleum will stand beside the resting place of his father, creating a memorial space that combines family history, political heritage and national remembrance.