Ruto Commissions Raila Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo [Photos]

President William Ruto on Wednesday, October 7, commissioned the mausoleum of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County.

In a statement, Ruto described Raila as a distinguished Kenyan and African leader whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of freedom, justice and a better country.

"On the 15th day of October, 2025, Kenya and Africa mourned the passing of one of their most distinguished and illustrious sons. His demise brought forth an unprecedented outpouring of grief and cast a long shadow of sorrow across the nation, and far beyond our borders," he wrote.

Ruto said Raila's political career was defined by courage, patriotism and Pan-Africanism, while highlighting his contribution to Kenya's democratic journey.

"In Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya lost a leader extraordinaire, a man of uncommon courage, a patriot, a Pan-Africanist, and a statesman who gave his life to the pursuit of freedom, justice, and a Kenya with plenty within its borders," he added.

Ruto also reflected on Raila's private life, including his family and the home that supported him throughout his decades in public service.

"In this commemoration, we remember the man behind the public life: the lifelong companionship he shared with his beloved wife, Mama Ida Odinga; the love for his children and extended family; and the home that sustained him through the long arc of his public service," he further said.

Ruto further honoured Raila's connection to his heritage and the national legacy he left behind through his years of service.

"We also honour his fidelity to the heritage into which he was born, which he made distinctly his own, enriched through a lifetime of service, and passed forward as an enduring national legacy," he noted.

Ruto said Raila's contribution to Kenya would continue to be remembered beyond his generation, describing the former Prime Minister as a national figure whose service and sacrifice had earned him an enduring place in the country's history.

"For his service and sacrifice, and for the light he gave to his nation, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, the second Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, passes from the living memory of a generation into the enduring memory of the Republic," he said.

Ruto formally dedicated the mausoleum as a national memorial marking the first anniversary of Raila's passing.

"In witness thereof, this mausoleum is dedicated under my Hand and the Public Seal of the Republic this Seventh Day of October, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-Six, in solemn commemoration of the First Anniversary of his passing," he concluded.

The mausoleum features a paved walkway, a landscaped buffer, new gates, signage and curved pathways leading into the memorial.

Wildlife and buffalo sculptures have also been installed at the entrance, positioned before a vintage-style door leading into the mausoleum.

At the centre of the memorial is a broad black marble platform with white veining and a polished mirror finish that reflects the windows and ceiling above.

Raila's grave is framed in brown marble and filled with smooth white pebbles, creating a contrast between the colours and textures of the memorial.

A black granite headstone carries one of Raila's famous words alongside his signature: 'Democracy is the price of freedom - Aluta Continua!'

The memorial walls also feature historical backlit photographs and artwork documenting Raila's decades-long political journey.

The ceremony was attended by a host of leaders including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

Governors James Orengo, Anyang’ Nyong’o, Johnson Sakaja, Gladys Wanga and Achillo Ayacko of Siaya, Kisumu, Nairobi, Homa Bay and Migori counties, respectively, were also in attendance.