BONDO, Kenya – Construction of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, has reached 50 percent completion, with the government maintaining that the project will be ready by the end of September 2026.
Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru said the project is progressing according to schedule after inspecting the site to assess the pace of construction and readiness for completion.
The mausoleum is being built next to the burial site of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice-President, and is being supervised by the Ministry of Defence.
“We were here in July for the groundbreaking, and exactly one month since then, good progress has been realised. We are confident that we shall achieve the September completion target,” Mariru said.
The inspection came as part of the PS’s wider tour of government development projects being implemented by the Ministry of Defence in western Kenya.
Mausoleum design carries political symbolism
The memorial’s architectural design incorporates symbolism associated with Raila Odinga’s political career, including a distinctive pentagonal structure inspired by the former opposition leader’s political journey and the historic Pentagon period.
The government says the facility is intended to serve as a lasting national memorial preserving Raila Odinga’s legacy and contribution to Kenya’s political and public life.
The mausoleum is expected to provide a place where members of the public and future generations can reflect on the former statesman’s role in the country’s history.
Mariru was accompanied during the inspection by Bondo Deputy County Commissioner Ali Manduku.
Nyamira University project reaches 35pc
During his regional tour, Mariru also inspected construction works at Nyamira University College in Kiabonyoru, Nyamira County.
The institution, which is a constituent college of Kisii University, has reached 35 percent completion. The project was launched in October 2025 and is being implemented under the technical supervision of the Ministry of Defence.
Works include a modern tuition and lecture block, a library, the institution’s main entrance gate and an external ablution block.
Once completed, the university college is expected to admit its first students, increasing access to higher education in Nyamira County and the wider Gusii region.
Gusii Stadium upgrade underway
Mariru further inspected the ongoing upgrading of Gusii Stadium in Kisii County.
The project began in April 2026 as part of the government’s programme to modernise sports facilities across the country.
The upgraded stadium is planned as a 14,000-seater facility featuring a canopy, a FIFA-standard football pitch, an eight-lane athletics track, modern changing rooms and other supporting amenities.
Initial mobilisation and demolition works have been completed, with construction now moving into the next phase.
The government expects the upgraded facility to support major sporting events, nurture athletes and stimulate sports-related economic activity in Kisii and the surrounding region.
Moi Stadium targeted for December completion
The Defence PS concluded his inspection tour at Moi Stadium in Kisumu, where works to upgrade the facility have reached 20 percent completion.
The project, which also started in April 2026, will transform Moi Stadium into a 10,000-capacity sports complex with improved spectator stands, modern amenities, a FIFA- and CAF-standard football pitch and an eight-lane athletics track.
According to the ministry, all foundations have been cast, while columns for the main dais at the Western Pavilion have reached first-floor level.
Construction of columns for the other terraces is ongoing, with the main concrete frame expected to be completed by the end of October.
The entire stadium is scheduled for completion by December 2026, ahead of the planned Jamhuri Day celebrations.
