Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum Closed as New Raila Memorial Takes Shape

The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo has been closed to the public until 30 October to allow major construction and renovation works to take place.

The National Museums of Kenya said the site was closed on 20 July as work began on a new mausoleum for Raila Odinga alongside the existing memorial to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. The Kenya Defence Forces are carrying out the project, which is funded by a Sh30 million government allocation.

The funding will cover the construction of the new mausoleum as well as the rehabilitation of Jaramogi’s memorial, which was built in 1995 and has long attracted visitors interested in the legacy of Kenya’s first vice-president. The Raila Odinga Mausoleum will have a pentagonal design, differing from the hexagonal structure of Jaramogi’s memorial. 

The shape is intended to represent strength, unity and collective purpose. The new facility will include a research centre, library, digital archives and an amphitheatre. These facilities are expected to support research, cultural events and public education on Kenya’s political and social history.

The National Museums of Kenya said the temporary closure was necessary to protect visitors and allow construction to proceed without interruption. The works are scheduled to continue for three months.

Once completed, the two mausoleums will form a connected heritage complex in Bondo. The expanded site is expected to provide visitors with a broader experience centred on the Odinga family’s contribution to Kenya’s political history.