NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto will on Wednesday lead the dedication and official commissioning of the mausoleum of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
The ceremony comes during Mwezi wa Baba, a month set aside to honour Raila’s life and contribution, ahead of the first anniversary of his death on October 15.
The mausoleum is at the family home where Raila was buried beside his father, Kenya’s first Vice-President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo said the mausoleum represents more than a physical structure, describing it as a place where future generations can encounter and understand Kenya’s history.
Cheptumo said the Kenya Defence Forces completed the project, which will now be placed under the stewardship of the National Museums of Kenya.
The institution will be responsible for conserving, documenting and protecting the site.
She said Raila’s decades in public life were tied to key chapters in Kenya’s democratic development, constitutional transformation and Pan-African ideals, which should remain part of the country’s historical record.
The commissioning is expected to be attended by invited guests, with members of the public following the proceedings at designated viewing sites.
Public access to the mausoleum is scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 8.
