By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Kenya, 7 October 2026 - President William Ruto on Wednesday officially handed over the Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, hailing the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The President said October had been dedicated as "Baba's Month" in remembrance of the gallant son of Kenya, who died on 15 October 2025.
"We are here to honour a life and renew the commitment to keep Raila Odinga's struggles alive," President Ruto said.
He referred to Raila as an Enigma, Agwambo, Baba, Rt Honourable, and Jakom, as he was fondly referred to.
"Stone can keep a memory but a nation can keep his promise," he added.
He said Raila believed that no person or region should be left behind in development and policies.
ODM Party Leader and Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, Raila's elder brother, did not attend the high-profile ceremony as he continues to recuperate after weeks of treatment in the United Kingdom and at a Nairobi hospital. His speech was read by his son, Jaoko Oburu Oginga.
"This is a magnificent monument. This mausoleum will serve as a reminder of the price of liberty and national liberation," Oburu said in the statement.
He noted that just as their father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, fought for Kenya's self-rule instead of settling for comfort, Raila had taken up the torch from him. Oburu added that, in the broad-based government, ODM was witnessing the fruits of unity and political collaboration.
"Long live the spirit of Baba, long live the legacy of Baba and long live power!" he said.
Oburu took over the leadership of ODM after his brother's death. Raila was fondly known as Baba.
Jaoko said his father was observing strict medical directives to rest and limit heavy physical engagements, but remained fully updated, mentally alert and engaged in key party and national matters. He assured Kenyans that, with their prayers, Oburu was recovering well, allaying fears after social media posts on 6 October 2026 claimed that he had died.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi described Raila as a statesman who valued good governance and was keen on the integration of the African continent.
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"Raila left us in broad-based government. If we disintegrate, we fall," he said.
Mama Ida Odinga thanked President Ruto and his government for building the mausoleum in record time since the groundbreaking on 20 July 2026.
ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga thanked Mama Ida for introducing her to Raila as a promising young woman capable of leadership. She recalled that during work on the NADCO report, Raila insisted that she highlight the main points.
Siaya Governor James Orengo called Raila the greatest Kenyan who ever lived.
"When Raila was in detention, Ida here was also arrested and held at Pangani Police Station," he said, thanking Mama Ida for holding the Odinga family together.
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko urged Kenyans to keep studying the monumental efforts of Raila, who was consistent in the fight for Kenya's rights.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said Raila taught him courage and the importance of standing with ordinary people to understand their struggles.
"We carry forward what Baba taught us courageously," he said.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said his interactions with Raila began with his bid for the Mvita parliamentary seat.
"Raila was an open person who was warm and welcoming. This is a man who believed in multi-party democracy," he said.
Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, Nyamira Woman Representative Irene Mayaka and MPs Rozaah Buyu (Kisumu West), Tindi Mwale (Butere), Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Anthony Oluoch (Mathare) and Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North) were among the legislators present. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and principal secretaries from various ministries also attended the dedication of Raila Odinga Mausoleum.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) handled the construction, overseen by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK).
Groundbreaking ceremony happened on 20 July 2026.