President William Ruto on Wednesday officially handed over and dedicated the mausoleum of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
But it was Mama Ida Odinga’s remarks on Ruto and Raila’s long political relationship that stood out during the ceremony.
Ida recalled how Ruto strongly defended Raila after the disputed 2007 General Election, saying their political association went back much further than the 2018 handshake.
“I remember that after the elections of 2007, you defended him fiercely and strongly. Some people might think that you just started with the handshake, but you started a long time ago,” Ida told Ruto.
She said the two politicians had competed fiercely at different points but also found moments to work together when they believed the country required it.
“You and Raila competed fiercely in politics, but there were also moments when you found a way to speak to work together and when you believed the country required it,” she said.
Ida further described Raila as a politician who did not maintain permanent enemies, noting that former political opponents eventually became friends.
“I don’t see enemies, just as I have told you that Raila had no enemies; his enemies were temporary and before you know it they were friends,” she said.
She thanked Ruto for attending the ceremony and honouring Raila and the Odinga family.
“President William Ruto, thanks for being here and honouring Raila and our family with your presence,” Ida said.
Ruto formally handed over the mausoleum to Ida on behalf of the Odinga family before dedicating the facility under the Public Seal of the Republic.
In his tribute, the President described Raila as a patriot, Pan-Africanist and statesman who played a central role in Kenya’s democratic journey.
“In Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya lost a leader extraordinaire, a man of uncommon courage,” Ruto said.
He described the former Prime Minister as a “once-in-a-generation leader” whose life had become part of Kenya’s national history.
Ruto said the mausoleum would serve as a lasting reminder of Raila’s contribution to democracy, equitable development and national unity.
“Here at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, his place of rest, the Republic has raised this mausoleum in his honour as the father and guardian of our democracy,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Odinga family, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, clergy and other invited guests.
The mausoleum was constructed through the Kenya Defence Forces and is part of a wider effort to preserve Raila’s legacy and the history of the Odinga family at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.
The site features historical photographs, artwork and displays documenting Raila’s political journey and contribution to Kenya’s democratic development.
The October 7 ceremony was restricted to invited guests, with the public expected to begin accessing the mausoleum from Thursday, October 8.
A larger public commemoration of Raila’s life is scheduled for October 15, marking one year since his death.