Raila Odinga Mausoleum Hits 50% Completion Ahead of September Opening [Photos]

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The construction of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, has reached 50 percent completion, with the project expected to be completed by the end of September 2026.

In a statement on Thursday, August 20, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru said significant progress had been made at the site, one month after the groundbreaking ceremony.

"This afternoon, I visited the ongoing construction site of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.

"We were here in July for the groundbreaking, and exactly one month later, significant progress has been realised," the statement read.

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Mariru said the project is being supervised by the Ministry of Defence and is currently halfway complete, with the government confident it will meet the September completion target.

He also noted that the mausoleum is being built adjacent to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s resting place.

"This project, being supervised by the Ministry of Defence, is currently at 50% completion and is expected to be completed by the end of September 2026.

"This we shall achieve. The mausoleum is being constructed adjacent to the resting place of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice-President," the statement added.

According to Mariru, the design of the mausoleum incorporates architectural symbolism linked to Raila Odinga’s political journey, including a distinctive pentagonal structure inspired by the historic Pentagon era.

"The design incorporates significant architectural symbolism, including a distinctive pentagonal structure inspired by Raila Odinga’s political journey and the historic Pentagon era," the statement further read.

Mariru said the construction is being undertaken through a coordinated effort aimed at creating a lasting national landmark that will preserve Raila's legacy.

"The progress at the site reflects a carefully coordinated construction effort aimed at delivering a dignified and enduring landmark that will preserve Raila Amolo Odinga’s legacy for generations to come, while providing a place to reflect on his immense contribution to Kenya’s history and public life," the statement concluded.

This development comes days after the National Museums of Kenya announced the temporary closure of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum to pave the way for construction works.

In a notice on Tuesday, August 11, NMK said the closure, which took effect on Monday, July 20, will remain in place until Friday, October 30.

"The National Museums of Kenya wishes to inform the general public and all our esteemed visitors that the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum has been closed for construction works since Monday, 20th July, 2026 until Friday, 30th October, 2026," the notice read.

The National Museums of Kenya expressed regret over the temporary disruption to visitors seeking to access the mausoleum during the construction period.

Reporting originally appeared via Nairobi Leo. Read the full source for additional context.