Ruto Announces Additional Plan for Raila’s Mausoleum in Bondo – PHOTOS

President William Ruto has pledged to build a library and museum at the mausoleum of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, to preserve a permanent record of his contributions to Kenya.

Speaking on Wednesday during the unveiling and dedication of the mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, President Ruto stated that the facilities will offer future generations a direct look into the former prime minister’s role in shaping the nation’s democratic journey.

The president pointed out that Raila’s lifelong battle for democracy deserves active preservation so that his legacy delivers tangible benefits to all Kenyans.

“You know that Raila ni shujaa wa taifa letu la Kenya and I said that huyo muungwana hawezi kuzikwa kwa kaburi la kawaida, lazima ajengewe mausoleum. Tutajenga library, museum so that our future generations can learn how Raila changed this country,” Ruto said.

Loosely translated: (Raila is a hero of our nation Kenya, and I said that gentleman cannot be buried in an ordinary grave, a mausoleum must be built for him.)

“I want you to know that the democracy that Odinga fought for should not be one in vain but to change the nation and the lives of Kenyans. We will give that gentleman a befitting send-off for his contribution to our nation, which is unrivalled and unequal to anybody.”

The Head of State joined Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, family members, clergy, and various dignitaries at Kang’o ka Jaramogi for the dedication ceremony. During the event, President Ruto read an official presidential citation honoring Raila as a courageous leader, patriot, and Pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to freedom, justice, and democracy.

Describing the site as far more than a final resting place, Ruto declared the mausoleum a lasting testament to the late leader’s impact on the country. He also reflected on his past political alliance with Raila, recalling their joint efforts to dismantle divisive, ethnic-based politics.

“Hapo mbeleni tulikuwa na siasa ya chuki na ukabila lakini mimi na Raila tukasema lazima tuungane ndio tumalizane na hio siasa ndio kila sehemu ya Kenya inufaike,” Ruto noted.

(In the past we had politics of hatred and tribalism, but Raila and I said we must unite to end that politics so that every part of Kenya benefits.)

Turning to regional development, the president outlined major infrastructure commitments for Siaya County, confirming that the government has set aside Ksh.18 billion for road networks spanning over 200 kilometers. He further announced plans to launch the 500-kilometer Lake Victoria Ring Road, a project originally designed by Raila, before December, assuring residents that Nyanza will not fall behind in national development.

Additionally, Ruto revealed plans to construct the Mau Summit-Rironi road into a dual carriageway and extend the route through Kisumu, Malaba, and Eldoret. He also confirmed an allocation of Ksh.300 billion to revive and extend the stalled railway line from Naivasha all the way to Kisumu, Malaba, and into Uganda.

“Ile reli ilikwama pale Naivasha nimeweka pesa, Ksh.300 billion to build it to Kisumu, Malaba mpaka Uganda,” he stated.

Translation:* (That railway stalled at Naivasha; I have set aside money, Ksh.300 billion to build it to Kisumu, Malaba, and on to Uganda.)*

Following the addresses, Mama Ida formally dedicated the mausoleum to God and invited religious leaders to bless the grounds, expressing her wish for the site to serve as a sanctuary of peace and a reminder of her late husband’s lifetime of public service.

The ceremony concluded with President Ruto and Mama Ida unveiling a commemorative plaque before leading attendees into a memorial service at the ancestral home.

Take a look at some photos from the occasion:

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