The Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, is now over 95 per cent complete, with preparations underway for its unveiling next week.

In an update on Wednesday, September 30, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru said the Ministry of Defence took over the construction of the mausoleum in July 2026 and has overseen significant progress on the project over the past two months.

"The Ministry of Defence took over the construction of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, in July 2026. 

"In just two months, the project has progressed significantly and is now over 95 per cent complete, with preparations underway for its unveiling next week, ahead of the upcoming memorial milestones in honour of the late former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga," he wrote.

 Mariru said he led a team from the Ministry of Defence to Kang’o ka Jaramogi to inspect the project and establish whether it was ready for the planned unveiling. 

The inspection also brought together officials from the National Museums of Kenya (NMK).

"Today, I led a team from the Ministry of Defence to Kang’o ka Jaramogi to assess the progress of the project and ascertain its readiness ahead of the unveiling.

"I was accompanied by a team from the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), led by the Director General, Prof. Mary Gikungu," he added.

 According to Mariru, the mausoleum project is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Defence and NMK following a directive from President William Ruto.

"The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with NMK, pursuant to the directive of the President, William Ruto," he further said.

 Meanwhile, ODM has announced a nationwide candle lighting event in honour of Raila.

In a statement, the party said the candle lighting event will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, across the country from 6:00 PM.

"The party, in conjunction with the National Steering Committee on the preparations for the 1st anniversary of the Raila Odinga Memorial, has organized a countrywide Candle Lighting event on Friday, 2nd October 2026. 

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"This activity will be held simultaneously across the country at 6:00 pm in remembrance of the great son of the soil who rested on the 15th of October 2025," the statement read in part.

ODM invited Kenyans to participate in the candle lighting by lighting candles wherever they will be on Friday evening.

In Nairobi, the candle lighting event will be held at Uhuru Park Grounds, with activities scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm.

In Mombasa, the event will be held at the Treasury Square, while in Kisumu it will take place at the Kisumu Central Square.

Further, ODM said it has dedicated October to activities aimed at remembering Raila and reflecting on the values he championed throughout his political career. 

"The party has dedicated the month of October to activities that will give Kenyans an opportunity to remember Baba and bring to memory the values he stood for, the fights he put up for the betterment of society and the love he had for Kenyans and his motherland of Kenya," the statement added.