The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County, has been temporarily closed.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, August 12, the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) said the closure will pave the way for construction and renovation works at the historic site.
The National Museums said the facility was closed on July 20, 2026, and will remain inaccessible to visitors until October 30, 2026.
“The National Museums of Kenya wishes to inform the general public and all our esteemed visitors that the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum has been closed for construction work since Monday, July 20, 2026, until Friday, October 30, 2026,” NMK stated in the notice.
NMK apologized to visitors and the public for the inconvenience caused by the temporary closure and advised them to avoid visiting the mausoleum during the renovation period.
Jaramogi Oginga Mausoleum Closed Until October 30
Construction works began on July 20, with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) carrying out the project, and are set to be completed by October 30.
The government released KSh30 million for the construction of the Raila Odinga Mausoleum and the rehabilitation of the existing Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum.
Unlike the hexagonal Jaramogi Mausoleum, which was built in 1995, the new Raila Odinga Mausoleum will adopt a pentagonal design, symbolizing strength, unity and collective purpose.
The closure comes as the government moves to upgrade the historic site.
The project also includes the construction of a separate mausoleum for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, where Jaramogi Oginga Odinga is buried.
Also Read: Little-Known Details of the Oginga Mausoleum Where Raila Will Be Buried
Construction of Raila Odinga Mausoleum Begins
NMK had earlier advertised a tender for the construction of the proposed Raila Odinga Mausoleum and alterations to the existing Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum.
NMK had earlier advertised a tender for the construction of the proposed Raila Odinga Mausoleum and alterations to the existing Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum.
The new facility will feature a research centre, library, digital archives and an amphitheater, and will be managed in part by the National Museums of Kenya.
The Jaramogi Oginga Mausoleum, located at the Odinga family home in Bondo, serves as both a mausoleum and a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Kenya’s first Vice-President.
The facility also preserves the history of Kenya’s struggle for independence and showcases aspects of Luo cultural heritage.
About the Mausoleum
Opened in 1995 by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, the mausoleum has become one of the country’s significant political heritage sites.
Over the years, it has hosted notable visitors, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who toured the facility in 2018.
In 2019, the National Museums of Kenya undertook rehabilitation works at the site at a cost of KSh8 million.
The museum houses an extensive collection of photographs documenting Jaramogi’s political journey and Kenya’s post-independence history.
Among the exhibits are his personal belongings, including walking sticks and other items associated with his public life.
Also Read: Raila Odinga Junior Unveils His Late Father’s Restored Hummer
The facility also showcases traditional Luo cultural artefacts such as spears, shields, bows and weapons, some of which were used by Jaramogi during his tenure as a Luo community leader.
Visitors can also view portraits and photographs of prominent African leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah and Haile Selassie, as well as Kenyan freedom fighters and political figures such as JM Kariuki, Pio Gama Pinto and Dedan Kimathi.
In addition, the museum displays photographs of Kenyan presidents and prime ministers since independence, making it an important repository of the country’s political and cultural history.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
