Plans to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga moved a step closer on Monday after his family officially handed over the site where a mausoleum will be built.
The Ksh.30 million project, which will be constructed by the Kenya Defence Forces, is expected to be completed by the end of September ahead of the first anniversary of his death.
Nine months after Odinga’s passing, the ceremony marked the beginning of a project aimed at preserving the legacy of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
Family members said the memorial will reflect the values he championed throughout his public life, especially his commitment to democracy and national unity.
Speaking during the event, Raila Odinga Junior said his father’s greatest achievement was not personal recognition but the lasting impact he made on the country.
“What he built was not a monument to himself but rather a Constitution. It was peace chosen again and again. The test of real leadership is not what a man wins for himself but what he leaves standing after he is gone, and by that test Jakom built more than most,” he said.
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga expressed appreciation to the government for supporting the project, saying the family viewed the gesture as an important recognition of Odinga’s contribution to the nation.
“I want to thank the government of Kenya. We do not take it for granted. This is not their duty. They could have decided to say no, do it as a family,” he said.
The architect behind the design, Simon Malachi, explained that the structure will incorporate symbols closely associated with the veteran politician’s journey.
“We have adopted the five-sided figure which was synonymous with Raila, and that was the Pentagon. The Pentagon is an aspect of the clenched fist which represents strength, unity, solidarity and collective purpose,” he said.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said the memorial would go beyond honouring an individual by reflecting Kenya’s political history and shared identity.
“Most importantly, this project will be a symbol of strength and national unity through recognition of Kenya’s diverse political history,” she said.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili also paid tribute to the late leader, describing his influence on the country as significant while expressing confidence in Raila Odinga Junior’s leadership.
“Raila has done a lot in this country, and because we have seen what Junior is doing, he is also able to step into his father’s shoes,” Owili said.
Construction is expected to be completed before the first anniversary of Odinga’s death, with the government assuring the public that the work will meet the required standards despite the tight timeline.
Once complete, the mausoleum is expected to stand as a lasting reminder of Odinga’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey and national development.
